Bible.com.au: Reading Plan - The Wisdom of a Father (or Father-Figure) across generations

Reflection: This passage reminds of a video about Derek Redmon, who was a runner at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. During his 400m semi-final race, he pulled up with an injured hamstring. After initially collapsing in pain, he limped forward attempting to finish the race. With the crowd cheering on, his father came to his aid, giving him his shoulder to lean on and walking with him the rest of the race. You can see the full video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYQ2IyMuPes

I can’t tell you anything about their relationship and what wisdom his father imparted on him throughout his life. But this moment, for me, is symbolic of what a father figure can do for us (especially into adulthood).

Hold on to the instruction given by your father; do not let it go, the Scripture tells us. Guard it well, for it is our life. I believe that father figures can impart just as much wisdom to us as adults. And I believe that as adults (men and women), we have opportunities to jump out of the stands and give our shoulder to those injured, hurt or hampered on their path, who need our instructions, but also our presence.

Prayer: Dear Lord, instruct me on the way of wisdom and lead me onto straight paths. Thank you for those in my life who have lent me a shoulder of support. I pray that I will be aware of those around me who may need my shoulder, a helping hand, and maybe even my wisdom and gentle instruction.

Proverbs 4:1-27

Get Wisdom at Any Cost

1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding.

2I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

3For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

4Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

5Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

8Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

9She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown.”

10Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.

11I instruct you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life.

14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers.

15Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

16For they cannot rest until they do evil;

they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

17They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

18The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

20My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

21Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

22for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body.

23Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

24Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

26Give careful thought to the paths for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

27Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

The Wisdom of a Father (or Father-Figure) across generations

Day 3 of 7

NIV

Proverbs 4:10-13

Days

Proverbs 4:1-27