Proverbs 1:8-9

8My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
-Proverbs 1:8-9

There are two ways to take this Proverb. The initial highlights the fact that the instructions to follow are the instructions of the father and law of the mother to a son. The second is that this instruction is that this is what is next from fearing the Lord. Heed the instruction of your parents. I think they both have a place. The instructions that follow this should be heeded carefully, and likewise the reward is reaped. You may be crowned with grace and adorned around your neck. Likewise, our parents have gone before us and have experienced much of what life can throw at us. It would be wise to heed their instruction.

I look back and think to myself about how much heartache I have avoided in listening to my parents. I also consider how much more I could have if I would have heeded their instruction even more. Then I consider deeper, how much have I avoided in heeding the voice of my Father? And deeper yet, how much more could have I avoided if I would have heeded His instructions?

I challenge you to consider these questions for yourself. I know of many of who look back and regret not following the instruction of their parents, yet they find themselves in the same spot in following the instruction of the Father. Heed His words. In His word you find that you may be crowned with grace and adorned around your neck.