READ: Proverbs 1 (Focus vs. 1-9)
MEMORY VERSE
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction.” Proverbs 1:8
BACKGROUND
Tom, age seven, admired his dad’s shiny trophies from school track events sitting on a shelf. He thought, I want one of those for my bedroom. So he asked, “Dad, can I have one of your trophies?”
The man surprisingly answered, “No, Tom, those are mine. I earned them, and you can earn your own.” Then they made a plan that if he ran around the block in a certain amount of time (he knew his son could do it), he would give him a trophy of his own.
Tom practiced with his dad’s guidance, and a week later his dad cheered him on as he ran the race in time. Tom learned lessons in self-discipline and hard work, and his dad congratulated him with an award.
Proverbs 1:8 encourages children to “listen . . . to your father’s instruction.”
Tom’s dad also taught him about running the race of life with Jesus and listening to His leading. He instructed him about choosing “what is right and just and fair,” as the father in Proverbs did (v. 3). A father’s teachings are valuable: “a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (v. 9).
You may not have an earthly father to instruct you in your race with Christ. But God can lead you to a mentor who can pass along their wisdom. Or perhaps God is calling you to mentor someone. He’ll give you guidance as you’re active with others in running the race.
Anne Cetas
INSIGHT
In the prelude to the book of Proverbs (1:1-7), the theme of this book and other biblical wisdom literature is introduced: “the fear of the Lord” (v. 7). This grand theme not only bookends the first major section of Proverbs (1:7–9:10), it frames the entire book (see 31:30).
From the beginning to the end, the goal is that readers—young and old—would major on honoring God with the whole of their lives. To “fear the Lord” (Psalm 33:8) is to stand in wonder, respect, reverence, and adoration of Him.
The fear of God is essential for running the race of faith with Christ. It’s good for mentors and mentees. It’s good for parents to possess and pass on to their children (Proverbs 1:8-9).
According to Psalm 34:11, this guiding life-principle can be taught: “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
Who in your circle might be one you can learn from about life in Christ? Who might you help?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“You may not have an earthly father to instruct you in your race with Christ. But God can lead you to a mentor who can pass along their wisdom.”
PR’s TAKE
“When you run alone, it’s called RACE. When God runs with you it’s called GRACE!” Reigner Creations???
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step…” 1Corinthians 9:24-27
“If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before.” John Crosby
PRAYER
“Father, thank You for the Scriptures that instruct me. Please give me a mentor who knows You well and can share Your wisdom.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY” Mahalia Jackson
If I can help somebody, as I travel along
If I can help somebody, with a word or song
If I can help somebody, from doing wrong
No, my living shall not be in vain
No, my living shall not be in vain
No, my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I’m singing the song
You know, my living shall not be in vain
