Proverbs 1:7-9, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck."

In the world in which we live there is learning and then there is godly learning.  I don't exclusively need to learn the three "R's", I need to learn them, but not exclusively.  I need to learn with God at the center of my education, and this isn't available at any store.  Verse seven is particularly important because it establishes the foundation for godly learning.  Only when we know God and we fear or reverence Him can godly learning take place and develop in your life.

One of the great follies of modern education is its evolutionary teaching, which leaves students without a knowledge of God, much less a fear of the LORD.  I have often made the statement, "There is no such thing as education without God."  An education void of God has no true foundation.  

How is a fool created?  By despising wisdom and instruction, especially instruction without the knowledge and fear of God.  Parents are responsible for the educating of their children.  The ministries of the local church, and a Christian school, can complement and aid you in fulfilling your responsibility to bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  A warning is necessary at this point, parents will do their children harm, if they fail to live a consistent Christian life in the home.  A life devoid of loving God, growing in knowledge of the Lord, failing to fear the Lord, and not serving and worshiping the Lord consistently, will be detrimental to your child.  You must be a godly example in the lives of your children.  Someone has said, "Wise men are disciplined. Fools are not."

Now, with the foundation of verse seven, we turn our attention to verses eight and nine.   "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck."  Twenty-three times in the book of Proverbs, Solomon writes to his son.  As a parent Solomon wanted to impart godly wisdom to his son.  The son to whom it was directed is not named.  It is apparent his eldest son did not pay much attention to the godly advice of his father.  The eventual backsliding of Solomon could have had a negative influence in his life.

In conclusion, wise children will pay attention to the instruction and rules set by their parents.  Therefore, it is needful for parents to instill discipline, obedience, and righteousness in the lives of their children.  The training received by a child from his parents are like jewelry to a young person, "...they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck."  May our children's lives be adorned by a life adorned with the knowledge of God, and the fear of the Lord.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. According to Proverbs 1:7, what is the foundation of a godly education or learning?

2. According to Proverbs 1:8, who is primarily involved in the instruction of children? How should this impact you?

3. Take a moment to examine the kind of education your children are receiving. Is it the kind of education they need? Will it help them learn how to live for God or dismiss Him?

4. Do children have a responsibility in their education and if so, what is it?