Will You Listen to Instruction?

O the importance of hearing instruction! Listen to the inspired words of Solomon: “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. ² For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law” (Pro. 4:1-2). The instruction of a father is the instructions that a father gives. As a general principle, a child might agree that he should hear and receive what his dad says, but where the rubber meets the road is if he receives a particular instruction given in real time.

The reason a father (or mother) gives instruction is because he knows the right way and wants his children to know the right way too. He has come to understand, and wants his child to understand too. In the moment, a young person might not want to receive the instruction: he (or she) doesn’t like it, doesn’t want to be told what to do, or thinks he has a better idea.

The matter comes down to authority and trust. The parent is the authority, not the child. Both parties need to act on this. The child also must trust that the parent’s instruction is good; it will bring good results and good direction.

If the young person will trust the plan of God and obey and honor his parents, he will gain wisdom. Why? He listened to good instruction of his parents.