Proverbs 1:7-9 NIV
[7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. [8] Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. [9] They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
Although we use the word "fear" in this passage from the Book of Proverbs, fear is used in the sense of wonder and awe, realizing that God is so far above us, that we tremble in his presence. Once we acknowledge the greatness of God, we will find it easier to put God first in our lives. Proverbs is one of the books of the Old Testament that gives us good advice as to how to live if we want to be happy. We are pretty familiar with the first statement here, but were you aware that God told us to pay attention to the wisdom of our parents? At some age we probably discovered that our parents actually knew something about the world, but at another, we probably thought that they were terribly out of date and didn't have anything to teach us. As long as our parents are living a good life and not leading us away from God, they have much to teach us. They can teach us about fidelity, about providing for a spouse and a family. They can teach us how to pray and let us know how much God loves us. They can open our eyes to the promise of salvation, and how important it is to follow God's laws. They can teach us that we are all God's beloved children and that all are equal in his eyes. They can teach us the power of love. If you are a parent as I am, then that responsibility is yours and mine. We are the ones who must pass on the legacy of faith. May our instruction and teachings be consistent with the wishes of the Lord!
