Raising Wise Children

24 “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV). These two verses are transition verses from the introduction to the Book of Proverbs to a section called simply, exhortations. It is not a word we use often today. It means the kind of teaching or instruction that comes with warnings against rejecting it. This exhortation section of Proverbs runs from Proverbs 1:10 through chapter 9. Verse 8 begins with these words: “Listen, my son...” The phrase, my son, or, my sons, is used 9 times in the first 9 chapters of Proverbs. It occurs once in each chapter except for chapters 6 & 9. In chapter 6 it is used twice and not used in chapter 9. Six of the chapters actually begin with the phrase – making it clear that chapters are really directed to children. Parents, this focuses attention on your task with your children. Parents and grandparents are charged by God with