Scripture
My son, listen to your father’s discipline, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings, because discipline and teaching are a graceful garland on your head and a [golden] chain around your neck.
My son, if sinners lure you, do not go along. My son, do not follow them in their way. Do not even set foot on their path, because they rush to do evil and hurry to shed blood.
It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird. But these people set an ambush for their own murder. They go into hiding only to lose their lives.
This is what happens to everyone who is greedy for unjust gain. Greed takes away his life. (Proverbs 1:8-10, 15-19 GW) [whole text and allegory– Pro 1:8-19]
Key phrase — discipline and teaching are a graceful garland on your head and a [golden] chain around your neck
Digging Deeper...
- What is the reader encouraged to do? What are they warned not to do?
- What if a person doesn't have godly or wise parents to guide them in life? Where else can a person go to get wisdom and guidance?
- Why is this warning so important? What illustration is given that expresses this?
What is the consequence if it's not followed? What is the benefit?
Make it personal...
Do you have people who give godly and wise counsel in your life?
If not, do you know where to go to get this influence?
How are you an influence in other people's lives?
Are you able and willing to mentor others?
Reflection
This allegory (Proverbs 1:8-19) is given as a warning and an encouragement. Wise counsel and guidance will include both of these. We need people in our lives who are able and willing to warn us and encourage us. We can also be mentors for others who need wise counsel and guidance, but we need to do so based on godly wisdom.
God is our best source for gaining wisdom. The Scriptures are our resource to draw out God's wisdom. The Spirit of God will help us understand it. We are responsible to live our lives in accordance with this wisdom, for our benefit and as an example for others.