Listen my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of grace on your head and a gold chain around your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9 HCSB
I am very fortunate to have grown up in a home with a godly mother and father. My father was a pastor and I was at church every times the doors were open. Not only did they take me to church where I learned about God and His love, they taught me godly principles at home and modeled the type of life I should live.
Solomon is commending all sons (and daughters) to listen and follow the instruction of his or her parents. This reinforced the principle of the family teaching Biblical wisdom as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The fifth commandment tells us to “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). A lifestyle of wisdom based on Biblical teachings from parents will be as valuable as a garland of grace or a gold chain. Both were symbols of honor.
Challenge: If your parents are still living and set a godly example for you, give them a call and tell them how much you love them and appreciate the way they taught you to live a life based on Biblical principles. Thank God for influential parents.