Proverbs 6:20

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about listening to the wise counsel of our parents:

Proverbs 6:20 (ESV)

My son, keep your father’s commandment,

and forsake not your mother’s teaching.

How many times has your dad told you something that went in one ear and out the other? Probably many. Dads tend to say things that children don’t always listen and attend to. The above proverb is an instruction to us to listen to our fathers. If we want to follow scripture there are actually some promises that are tied to this type of instruction. We tend to dismiss the things our father tells us until we actually become fathers ourselves. The older children become the smarter their dads are remembered. But by that time, it may be too late. This proverb by Solomon is very clear. It doesn’t say, keep your father’s commands when you think they are okay. Or, keep them when you get older and you see that they were pretty wise. No, to be correct, we are to keep them now.  Solomon uses the phrase, "My son," throughout Proverbs.   He is speaking to his actual sons; the sons of Israel; the sons of Abraham; the sons of God.   Following the leadership and teaching of our "proverbial" fathers is important to the transmission and furtherance of God's Word.   When we ignore the teaching of the "father" in God's Word (no matter who that is), we reject God's Word.  He adds, in the second line, not to forsake the teaching of our “mothers,” as well.  The clear message here is that parents are sent by God to provide clear and wise teaching for children.   Of course, not all parents give their children wise teaching.   Some are too busy to do that.  Some are to unwise to do that.  Some are too evil to do that.   Some have no capacity to do that.   Some parents also teach things children should not regard.  This situation creates a challenging dilemma for children.    When parents give counsel contrary to God’s Word, that can cause a confusion in the hearts and minds of children.   The above proverb is presupposing that the parents are giving Biblically wise counsel to the children.    When that happens, God’s plan is successful.