Hear the Instruction of a Father - Proverbs 4:1

In the book of Proverbs Solomon told his son, “the wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools”, and in chapter four and verse one of Proverbs Solomon said, “Hear, you children, the instruction of a father” where we read,

Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

The verse begins, “Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, ...”. Solomon began with the words, “hear, you children” or “hearken, perceive, understand, discern and obey, you offspring and progeny both male and female”, “the instruction” which means “the chastening, correction and discipline” “of a father” or “belonging to a male progenitor and ancestor”. Solomon called for every child to listen to and perceive the chastening and discipline that is given by their male progenitor.

The verse continues, “... and attend to know understanding.” Solomon added the words, “and attend” or “and hear, be attentive, heed, incline, listen and pay attention” “to know understanding” which means “to learn and perceive discernment, discrimination, distinguishing, recognizing and confession”. Solomon wanted his offspring not only to listen to his “instruction”, but also to be attentive to learn discernment and recognition.

When we meditate upon Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how he began to address not only his son, but also all people who are “children”. It is good to remember that the Holy Spirit of God inspired the scriptures in the Bible, and when Solomon addresses his children, God's words through him are for us as well. God loves us, and He wants to have an intimate personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for our sins. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit so we will listen to His “instruction” and pay attention to discernment.

Next time Solomon says, “I give you good doctrine”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".