ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 7, 2022
In Proverbs 1:8, we read: “Hear, my child, your father’s instruction, and do not reject your mother’s teaching…” Does this passage suggest that the advice of parents is always correct? As a parent, I know my many weaknesses and shortcomings. There will be times when a child will not take the advice of a parent, and it will be a wise decision on the part of the child. The scripture only encourages children to ‘hear’ what the father has to say and not ‘reject’ (or cast off) what the mother has to offer. The Proverbs are about wisdom, and we should seek out wisdom among those with life experience, until they show themselves as unwise. As we approach Mothers’ Day, let us be thankful for the many wise and gracious mothers in this world, while also acknowledging those whose mothers were not wise, even offering hurtful or destructive advice.
O Divine Voice of Wisdom, may I discern your words in the thoughts and experiences of those who probably know better than I. Amen.
