“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8).

The phrase “my son” appears at least twenty-two times  in the Book of Proverbs. The book was written by a wise father, Solomon, to his son, offering the wisdom necessary for genuine success in many areas of life. It is to be regretted that Solomon’s son Rehoboam did not follow his father’s counsel. As a result of his refusal to listen to wisdom, his kingdom was torn apart and he was left with only a small portion.

The first appeal to the son is an appeal to recognize the value of the counsel and direction given by a father and mother. This admonition demonstrates that the things most valuable are often found at home rather than in some distant, exotic place. The invitation is not to find a “holy man” or guru to follow, but to hear a father’s instruction and a mother’s law. Those who turn away from the counsel offered by godly parents reject one of the most valuable sources of wisdom and direction they will ever find.

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