Proverbs 1:8-9 – The importance of godly parental impartations

The influence on a child, we know, can come from many sources. Young and impressionable, they can be influenced by teachers, friends, classmates and schoolmates. In these two verses, Proverbs here make sure that we know that the primary source of influence for any child should be the home and godly parents. In fact, in the first nine chapters alone, the endearing terms “my son” appears no less than ten times. The frequency this term is used underscores God’s plan for parents to be the key role in imparting wisdom to the child. Thus, one of the purposes parents should keep at the back of their minds, is to prepare their children for adulthood and to face life wisely and responsibly.  

Throughout the Bible, we see God outlining the roles parents need to play in the life and growth of their children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 distinctively instruct parents to impart the word of God to their children. Parents were told specifically by God through Moses, saying “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Over in the New Testament, we see Paul also echoing the same sentiment for the role of fathers. He said in Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Mother’s role in raising up godly children is equally critical. One such example came from the form of Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy. They together influenced Timothy when he was young. So, 2 Timothy 1:5 says, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” Parents should responsibly discharge their duty.

Just as important as the role of parents imparting godly wisdom, children must also responsibly take heed to their instruction and teaching. Notice that a godly father must instruct while a godly mother must teach. And children are here exhorted to listen to the parents’ wise counsel if they desire to be wise. They must indeed take heed to those counsels because obeying them will definitely have its benefits. The graceful wreath on the head and the garland on the neck are poetic imagery to say that parental teachings will strengthen the character of children who listen, obey and apply them. The godly counsel taken seriously and acted upon will significantly make one’s character attractive.  

The call is for us, parents, to take our role seriously. We are admonished to impart godly influence. For those of us who have godly parents, we must thank God for them and be earnest in obeying their instruction and teaching with gladness. When these two verses are taken seriously and applied, we will raise fine men and women of character for God’s glory.