Proverbs 1:1-9A Description of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-7) This is King Solomon’s insight concerning wisdom. In this text, Solomon the son of David refers to the necessity of listening to your mother. Verse 8, “…forsake not your mother’s teaching.” Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba. In 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba went to Solomon to talk to him. The King Solomon respected her so much that he bowed down to her. Remember that there was a generation that removed their hats in the presence of a lady. So you can see the honor Solomon had toward his mother was special.
What is wisdom? According to Proverbs 1:1-7 Wisdom is knowledge gained from God-Centered instruction, and applied through Christ-Centered obedience. A healthy awe of God ignites wisdom and instruction. It ignites the family, the father, and the mother. We see in 8.
A Home Dedicated to Godly Instruction (Proverbs 1:8)
a. The Father is an instructor. Fathers instruct through life on life. Fathers have an awesome opportunity to display the glory of God in their instruction. He must have love for Christ and the Word of God! May that love spill over into everything he does. He must show and share the love of the gospel.
b. The Mother is a teacher. Mothers teach and manage the home. They do an excellent job. They have the gift of nurture as they teach. “CH Spurgeon said: “Never could it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother.” Her concern for her children will last long after they move out. Her concern as a Christ-Centered woman is her children’s eternal status, their salvation! Are they born again? Will they be with her in Heaven? When children heed the godly instruction of their parents, the child shows this through becoming a godly influence.
A Child Destined for Godly Influence (Proverbs 1:9) From the home of godly instruction should come a child of godly influence. This is not always the case. What verse 9 is referring to is when the child listens to the godly instruction of their parents they will influence the world for the glory of God. Their character and actions are more valuable than jewels. Their influence has a ripple effect upon and for eternity.
Many wish they could talk to their mother again! Maybe you’d love to tell her that you love her. You can honor her by living for Christ! Many times that’s your mother’s last wish is that you would live for Jesus. Did you know that Mother’s Day is one of the highest attended church days under normal circumstances? You know why? Because mothers want their children with them at church.
Listen to your mother’s teaching! If she’s in Heaven today she’d say, “Jesus is worth it! Follow Him!” Many mothers are still saying that today! Follow Jesus, the best words of wisdom you could ever hear, listen to mom!