Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9

---

This little one, who was completely dependent on us for everything, suddenly took up all the space in the room. We had just gotten home from the hospital with our firstborn child, and I was keenly aware of his presence above anyone else. My parents were gathering their things and making sure we had what we needed when my father sat across from my husband and me—us on the couch, him on a chair. A man of few words, he looked at the two of us with sincerity and concern and said, “This,” pointing at our newborn baby, “will leave in 18 years. This,” pointing at my husband and me, “will remain. Be sure to take care of this because this will still exist when that little one has left the house.” It was a core memory made in my early 30s. 

Fast forward and that little one is a bit of an ornery middle schooler now—reminding me daily of my own ornery self when I was that age. Much like my child, I had no idea when I was their age that I didn’t in fact know everything. I was certain of the way I should go and certain I knew more than my parents. What I did not know then, that I know now and am reminded of when I consider that core memory from my 30s, is that those who have gone before us—in particular our parents (whether biological or spiritual)—often have wisdom to offer us if we would just listen. 

Today’s Scripture is one that we may be tempted to relegate to a particular season of life. Meaning, as a mother of young ones, I want my children to heed and obey the wisdom in those Proverbs. But the truth is, I am still a child—an adult child for sure, but a child nonetheless—and while my parents and I may approach things differently, heeding their advice indeed can yield wisdom that I may not have grasped without them. 

My mom and dad celebrated 46 years of marriage last fall. I would say that’s pretty good proof that my dad shared some pretty good wisdom with us back in the day. And I’m going to trust that one day, my middle schooler will feel the same way about me and my husband as I do now about my parents. 

Next Steps

Some of us have complicated relationships with our parents. If that’s you, seek out wisdom from godly people who can help fill that wisdom gap in your life. 

If you happen to have been gifted with wise parents that you have a good relationship with, perhaps today is a good day to let them know that you appreciate them.