Scripture Passage: Proverbs 4
“When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:3-7
In today’s passage, King Solomon is asking his son (Rehoboam I believe) to listen to his instructions, doctrines and laws (v1-2). Then he explains why. He said: “When I (Solomon) was also a small boy like you, my father (King David) also called me and taught me some words and commands I should not forget.
- One of the commands was that, above all else, I should get wisdom and understanding. These are the principal things (first and most important) and they will bring me promotion, honour, grace and glory (Prov 4:8-9).”
- Solomon was simply saying: “I am who I am today because of the commands my father gave me (that I didn’t forget), and your future also depends on the words and instructions I am given you (so don’t forget them).”
Do you remember when God gave Solomon a blank cheque to ask for anything, and Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding? (1 Kings 3) Have you ever wondered how he gave that answer? (I used to think he was super-human or on a different level of mankind).
Solomon is saying he asked for those things or he knew what to ask for because David had already taught him what to ask for, and actually gave him a command when he was a child.
We all didn’t know that Solomon did not initiate that thought himself (‘akoa no bor cheat’). When the opportunity presented itself, he just said what David told him. Solomon had high-level life ‘apor’ (cheatsheet or cheatcode; answers to sure questions that will come in an exam) from his father. David used his experience with God and in life to guide Solomon.
- What life ‘apor’ do you have? What is your philosophy for life? This is one of the reasons we need people in our life who will teach us and instruct us.
- Please don’t joke with this. You will have answers for the critical moments and decisions in life. Not all decisions have the same effect.
- Let’s not just walk about with our own made-up wisdom or even that of peers. Don’t just use your mind and initiative to take critical decisions.
If you’re just deciding whether to eat ‘waakye or hausa koko’ this morning, fine. But for crtitical life-changing decisions, please consider these words of wisdom from the Bible. Now the key is that we must know these ‘apor’ way before the opportunity presents itself. Our philosophy of life shapes us, and will determine our outcome.
“The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” Even God was impressed with Solomon’s answer and gave him far more that he asked!
Just like we all admired Solomon’s answer and choices and decisions, and saw him as very wise and super and on a different level; the wisdom and instructions you are also receiving from this book of Proverbs, from fathers and mentors, will one day make people think you are super-human. You will be on a different level in life!
- You will fly high above your comtemporaries! At the flying school for pilots, the teachers are called instructors. You fly with instructions! (not opinions o).
- May the grace and Spirit of God teach you valuable life ‘apor’ that you will never forget. May the wisdom instructions we’re getting cause you to soar in life!
- Now another key is to not forget them and to act on them. Solomon followed the instructions and it worked for him, unfortunately his son didn’t remember and follow it.
In Prov 4:10-18, in fact to the end of the chapter, Solomon also gave his son some instructions. So it is very important that you also mentor or share with others (your dear children especially) what God has taught you and the experiences that can help them. That is God’s heartbeat! (Matthew 28:19-20 and Genesis 18:19).
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.“
- Solomon also taught his son (all the proverbs we’re reading today), but his son (Rehoboam) didn’t follow them.
- Rehoboam lost the kingdom due to that (2 Chronicles 10). He became one of the greatest failures in leadership history.
- But that will not be our portion in Jesus’ name! Because we’ll apply the wisdom instructions, won’t we?
- Take some time to pray for life instructions that will alter your life for good. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you to the right mentors.
- Pray that you will listen attentively and follow the commands He gives you. Pray that you will also pass on God’s commands and wisdom to others.
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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