In Proverbs 4:1-9, we have King Solomon sharing the parental advice he received from his father David. In looking at how he wrote this proverb, I can see the respect he had for his father. David was a man after God’s own heart and he truly wanted to live his life honoring the Lord. One of the ways to do this is how you raise your children. David knew Solomon was going to be the next king of Israel, and he wants to make sure his son was fully equipped. Solomon was told by his father in verse four, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.” These words were etched in the heart of Solomon because he knew his father did not set him up to fail. Success is attainable, and Solomon had to apply his father’s teaching to his life. The purpose for us to learn is to know how to apply the information we have received. This is the reason David spent time teaching his son because he was being set up for success. This is the reason fathers take time to teach their children to ensure they have what they need to be successful. All the lessons we learned from our fathers were not always verbal, several things we learned from them was how they lived their lives. Getting up early every day going to work to provide for their families. His children could see how he loved and respected their mother, and how he would correct his children when they were doing wrong. Our fathers were not leading nations, but they were leading their families in a manner that was pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

In verse seven, Solomon is told, “the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight.” David wanted Solomon to know the importance of wisdom. Wisdom is knowing how to utilized what you have learned, and insight is understand the information you have received. When you have understanding, you will know how to utilize what you have learned. This is how wisdom and insight work together. Through what David did for Solomon, he knew that his father loved him. The same is true for us, our fathers may not have said they loved you often. But, look at what they did for us, there is no questioned we were loved. We thank our father’s for setting us up to be successful. Continue to walk in your blessings. Happy Father’s Day!