Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 4

When I was a boy at my father's knee, the pride and joy of my mother, He would sit me down and drill me: "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live! Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch! Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her—she keeps her eye on you. Proverbs 4:3-6 (TM)

I don't know how many times I've read proverbs, but it's a lot. I don't think I've ever read this verse and considered it in context. Solomon's father wa s King David. It was David who sat Solomon on his knee and drilled him to seek wisdom and hold on.

• David who was anointed king and then spent almost thirty years in exile waiting for the crown.
• David who ran for his life from King Saul and spent much of his early life with a price on his head.
• David who lived as a mercenary in treacherous enemy territories.
• David who led a rag-tag band of outlaws in a campaign of day-to-day survival.
• David who, once he was king, survived multiple coups on his reign.
• David who made his share of mistakes including adultery (btw, Solomon is Bath Sheba's son), murder, conspiracy, bad parenting, etc - and suffered the consequences.
• David who instituted Jerusalem (a heathen Jebusite city) as capital of Israel and had to navigate the tremendous political, social and religious fallout of that decision.

No wonder David instilled the importance of wisdom on his son. She had guarded his life and kept an eye on him. He was speaking from a wealth of experience!
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Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and khiscott

Comments

[KR]

My dad is no King David by biblical comparisons, but he is my King David. This same verse made me a bit sentimental this morning. Much of my successes and knowledge and wisdom (although small) can be attributed to my dad sitting me on his knee and imparting his teaching. I am forever indebted to him for his influence on my life! Oh, by the way....I still am the joy of my mother :)

[KJW]

This passage is very special to me. There was a time when v. 26-27 really impacted my life. I was really living my life looking to the 'sideshows' on the left and the right. Sometimes you just need to focus on the right path and remove your foot from evil.

[Tom Vander Well]

Great insights guys. Kev, count your blessings. I know many men who would give anything just to hear "I love you" or "I'm proud of you" from their fathers.

That verse hit me, too, Keith. There are so many sideshows to distract us. Here's to staying on focus!