Words to live by
I know I need to read the Bible, but sometimes I just don’t know where to start. I pray for inspiration and guidance, but I the answer isn’t always clear. God, what is it that you want to tell me today? Sometimes I just open up to a random page and begin reading. You’d be amazed at how effective and timely that can be. Still, other times I open up to Proverbs.
Proverbs has quickly become one of my “go-to” books of the Bible. It’s simple, easy, and every page is filled with wisdom. Which makes sense because that is what King Solomon wanted. Solomon wrote Proverbs to serve as a sort of instruction manual for his son. It’s more than just a list of what to do and what not to, though. I see it as an ancient love letter from father to son. Solomon wanted to give his son words to live by. Words that would serve him and the Lord well.
For learning about wisdom and instruction,
for understanding words of insight,
3 for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—
5 let the wise also hear and gain in learning,
and the discerning acquire skill,
6 to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 Hear, my child, your father’s instruction,
and do not reject your mother’s teaching;
9 for they are a fair garland for your head,
and pendants for your neck.
-Proverbs 1:1-9
That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave for my son. I want to share with him some of what I have learned over the years. I want him to not be so rushed that he misses out on the beauty that surrounds him or the joy of being with people. We should all be thinking about the sort of legacy we will leave for our children.
Then it hit me. I always saw myself as the teacher in the relationship, but there are a lot of times where those younger than ourselves can teach us. Perhaps thats why I believe the greatest ministries are intergenerational. It provides us time to think, talk, and learn from each other. When we sit and listen to those who are older than us and those who are younger than us – we become the people God has called us to be.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from someone older than you? What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from someone younger than you?