Proverbs 4:1-2

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the value of wisdom: 

Proverbs 4:1-2 (ESV Strong's)

Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,

and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

for I give you good precepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

There is much debate about wisdom literature and how to interpret the things written.  In Proverbs, specifically, we will hear many theologians and pastors tell us that the "proverbs" are observations of life and not to be taken as promises.    However, the words used in these first two verses of chapter four seem to give us a rich understanding of what the author meant when he wrote them.  "Instruction; precepts; teaching" are all words that are used in other parts of Scripture to convey something much more than "observations of life.".  When Solomon adds: "That you may gain insight," he is making a connection with these words and giving us a promise.   He is telling us that when we are: "hearing; attentive; and not forsaking" the instruction we will have a benefit.   If we read Psalm 119 (also wisdom literature) we can be assured that the promises of meditating on and obeying God's Word will produce benefit in our lives.  So, too the Proverbs.   It should be obvious that some of the proverbs are promises; some are precepts and some our principles to follow.   But, all are authoritative and beyond the thought of simple "observations" of life.   The Chinese philosopher Confucius was a later contemporary of Solomon.  He had observations in life.  He did not have the authority of God's Word.   Solomon did observe life and God gave him truth to give to us by way of Proverbs.   Many of these proverbs, like the one above, give us a promise we can be assured of.  If we hear and are attentive (listening and obeying) the instruction given to us here, we can gain insight.  That is a promise!!

Proverbs is about a lot of subjects but the main thought is for wisdom to be the fundamental choice of those following God and looking for the blessings of God.   God provides wisdom through His Word, which reflects His Son.    God provides that "Word" via many sources.  According to this proverb one source of God's Word comes from the instruction of a Godly parent.   Solomon is telling us that they are a source to enable us to "gain understanding."   We don't always think that when we are young.   But, God gives parents, Godly parents, insight into life and if we listen to them we can advance our understanding of life.   Solomon had a great dad - King David.  David was not perfect and was not without sin, but God gave him insight that he wanted him to pass down to Solomon.   The job of a parent is to listen to God and pass God's truth on to their children.   The child's job is to listen to the parent and gain understanding.