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My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

Proverbs 5:1

These words begin a chapter warning a young man about the dangers of a “strange woman.” Back then a daughter wouldn’t have received the same warning because her hand was given in marriage under the guidance and blessing of her parents. This is still symbolized in traditional weddings today when the father of the bride walks her down the aisle and passes her hand to the groom. It is also highlighted when the wedding official asks “who gives this bride to be married to this man?” To which normally the father answers “her mother and I do.” With the son it is not so.

I have five children. My eldest child is a daughter, and she was a gracious gift from God to gently bring my wife and I into the calling of parenting. (Mostly me.) The four sons that followed are wonderful as well, but as many of you already know, entirely different. They are warriors and explorers, seeking to conquer their world and each other on a daily basis. I can see where they are wired to someday leave our home and follow the Lord on their own.

They must learn to live by sound wisdom or they will experience the fruit of living without it. They must grow in grace and lead with grace. They must show love, demonstrate faith, and humbly form a Christ-following example for their little tribe to follow. Though each must learn to take responsibility for himself, he doesn’t need to be alone. He needs Christ-following mentors, and he needs to listen to them.

On the most basic level, Christ-following men is the chief need of our age. No matter their color, their failures and brokenness, their sense of inability. We need men, who will say, “Listen, son.” Lord help us.

-C.R.

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Proverbs 4:24

By now we’ve all socially distanced enough to where it almost seems unnatural to stand close to someone who is not part of our normal circle. This isn’t the best thing for humanity. God made people in his image and giving us a physical body is part of that good creation. We hug, shake hands, and stand side-by-side as expressions of bonds of love, faith, and unity. Separating physically for an extended period of time deteriorates these bonds.

There are people from whom we should spiritually distance. In our proverb today we see that we should create separation from and avoid those who have froward mouths and perverse lips.

In the “Dictionary of the Bible,” edited by James Hastings, froward is defined as “the opposite of ‘toward,’ as we say ‘to and fro’ for ‘to and from.” “Holman’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary” defines perverse as “one Greek and several Hebrew terms with the literal meaning “bent,” “crooked,” or “twisted,” applied to persons involved in moral error.”

The froward person influences us away from Christ, while the perverse person influences us to be bent and twisted by sin and hindered in our walk with Christ and testimony for him. Avoid the influences of both.

-C.R.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

We make decisions every day that read like a Dr. Seuss book. “Go here. Go there. Go everywhere.” Those decisions put us on rails that take us somewhere. How do we choose which rail(s) today? Do I call this person? Do I read this book? Do I pursue this business decision? My understanding is small and weakened by my flesh while the LORD’s wisdom is infinite and righteous.

Since I cut my finger open this last weekend I’ve been taking ibuprofen for the pain. Sometimes it would help, and sometimes it wouldn’t touch it. Last night I learned from a friend in medicine that ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and not primarily a pain-reducer. If I had combined it with the pain-reducer Tylenol I would have experienced less discomfort.

My incomplete understanding caused me to go down a rail of more pain. The wisdom of someone in the field everyday provided the rail of relief. I have to choose the rail of my limited understanding or the rail recommended by my friend.

How much greater is God’s wisdom for this life! We have the broken rails of our senses and understanding, but we ought to trust the Lord’s rails of perfect wisdom. For the Christian that means (1) learning the wisdom of God in the word and revealed in Christ, (2) seeking direction through prayer in how to obey, and (3) following through in complete obedience.

Trust him with all your heart in all your ways.

-C.R.