Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,
and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
9For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,
and like pendants around your neck.
The fascinating feature of Proverbs, in the first chapter, we are able to “listen in” on a conversation that a king has with his son. We are empowered to be taught just as royalty are. This use of ‘listen’, in verse 8, is one common within the English speaking world as well. We use ‘listen’ to mean intentional focus on some speech or sound. When a person says “listen”, it suggests that what follows is important. Solomon follows the command with a reference to whom he was referring. He speaks to his son. To call him son, speaks to the relationship between the speaker and the listener. The listener isn’t being taught how to perform a job, but listener is being instructed as a father teaches a son. This is more personal than the information simply helping one to rule within a court. These are the instructions that a father gives to his children as universal frameworks. These lessons can be applied to every situation. Fathers desire to put life into a few words. But since the road of life is often long and twisting with many disappointments, many traps, and many dangers, a father almosts begs their sons and daughters to listen. A good father cares to instruct his children, and a mother does as well.
The mother also provides instruction. These instructions are also universal or applicable generally to many different situations. The wise describes this admonition in terms of not forsaking the mothers teaching. It is as if the mother puts something precious in the care of her children by teaching them. Not only should the son listen attentively to important instructions from his father that are widely useful in a variety of situations, but the son should also not leave or walk away from the teachings of his mother as precious in and of themselves. Thus, we are able to infer the following truths:
- It is wise to listen to the instruction of one’s parents.
- A parent will attempt to give their children transferable skills.
- The lessons of a parent are precious in themselves.
The clearest proof of this is the 9th verse. Here, Solomon describes the instruction of the father and the teaching of the mother in terms of a garland for your head and a chain to adorn your neck. The word translated as ‘wreath’ in verse nine literally means to bend. It is the Hebrew word livyah. Its meaning is a type of ornament used to make oneself more beautiful. Wreaths could be made of flowers. Many Christmas wreaths are made of branches, etc. But the wreaths here mentioned, in the ninth verse, were worn on one’s head. Further, this wreath is a metaphorical representation for the grace one may experience if obedient. This “garland of grace” will be upon the head of the obedient child. This word ‘grace’ is primarily rendered as ‘favor’ according to Brown-Driver-Briggs. Favor is measured by the effects of having it. A person has favor when they are preferred and are first to receive envied opportunities. It is indicative of a life of a fantastic skill to handle difficulty with patience.
Solomon writes a further detail about the location of the garland and necklace (pendant). The Garland will grace the head. The head is the leader of the body, the house of the mind, the post for the eyes wherewith we see that world, form opinions, and make decisions. The head is also the place where speech is both formulated in the mind and spoke out of the mouth. But this garland of grace will be a covering to us. Our decisions, and perspectives and our actions and words will be perfumed with a beauty and favor that is distinctive. The pendant is around our neck and covers our body which is the locust of action. Our deeds will be of value. Our worth will be known. Our integrity will show forth like a pendant. Thus, we learn the following:
- Obedience to the loving instruction of one’s parents or guardians will lead to a life of distinction and favor.