Hear Instructions...

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Rebelliousness is wrapped up in the heart of a child. Children are immature and lack the ability to see the full wisdom of what an adult is telling them, therefore, it is an extraordinary child indeed that embraces the instructions of his/her parents, who can recognize the blessing of the Lord on those who listen to instructions. Parents must be diligent to train them in the way they should go not giving in and becoming faint. They want to produce children who will grow up remembering the kind but firm instructions of their parents. A child’s duty is quite simple, Col 3:20 they must obey their parents. As the scriptures tell us this is the first commandment with a blessing (a long life). Proverbs will continually emphasize the characteristics of a wise son; many times it will revolve around the instructions of a parent. This verse is most likely referring to a young Solomon in his teens when the kingship was in sight, the truth of the matter is that a young man or woman must be trained from the time they are youth in order for them to listen when they become young adults.

There is another aspect to this; it is to have a heart that can receive instructions. So many will find themselves in trouble tomorrow because they failed to listen to the wise instruction of a natural or spiritual parent today; let us endeavor to be those who can "Hear" instruction. When we do not listen to the instructions of those who are reputed for wisdom around us it is certain we are not listening to the Great Counselor Himself (as He frequently uses people to instruct us).