Time to Wise Up

King Solomon penned these words in Proverbs 13:1, A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Sadly, for the past 28 years I have not been able to hear any instruction from my dad. You see, three days after my 16th birthday my dad lost his 3 month battle with cancer and went to be with Jesus. As I have reflected on this verse I have thought about what my dad taught me. Although he taught me a lot during those 16 years, I recall a conversation with him a month or so before he died where he specifically instructed me to honor God and to honor women. I have never forgotten his instruction. I am thankful that my dad took the time to instruct me with his lips but also thankful that for years he lived out what he taught me. I will always be indebted to my dad who was a wise son.

As I think about Solomon’s counsel, I think of another father, my heavenly Father. If I am a wise son then I will hear, or heed, God’s instructions found in the pages of His Word, the Bible. Tragically, too many people see the Bible as nothing more than a book of regulations or prohibitions. However, I see the Bible as God’s love letter to man. When I read His love letter I discover loving instruction from the heart of my Father. Just as my earthly dad cared enough to instruct me, so too my heavenly Father cares for me and wants the best for me. So, if I want to be a wise son I will heed His instruction.

Solomon goes on to write in Proverbs 13:20, Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Who are you hanging out with? Who are you following? Perhaps you’d have to admit that it’s time to wise up. If you want to be wise and avoid trouble in your life then walk with God. Read His love letter and choose to follow His instructions. You’ll be glad you did in the end!