Prescribing Proverbs – RX 23
August 23rd, 2021
A Proverb a day keeps Untruth away
Proverbs 1:1-6, ‘These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king—written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.’ (MSG)
Prescription (RX) Twenty-Three: It is Well…With My Soul
Proverbs 23:22-25, ‘Listen with respect to the father who raised you, and when your mother grows old, don’t neglect her. Buy truth—don’t sell it for love nor money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight. Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents. So make your father happy! Make your mother proud!’ (MSG)
I wasn’t any different than most other kids, I assume. I regarded my parent’s advice and suggestions; listened to their knowledge, understanding and wisdom; humored them with pretenses. I still in the back of my mind always knew best or knew something they hadn’t been through yet or it’s different today than in their day; ‘yeah, but…’ always on my lips unspoken. In one ear, out the other; listened with half an ear; ‘If my dad could see me now!’ I placated them.
We are on the other side of life now though, and I’d be a rich lady if I had a dollar for every piece of advice or wisdom I have shared, passed on or raised my children with, and now my grandchildren, that came from my parents. I’d be sitting on a rare fortune for every time I have repeated what my mom or dad said to me that I swore would never come out of my mouth! Each time I think to myself, ‘Wow, you just sounded like Dad!’ I look around sheepishly almost as if I expect to see him nearby.
I didn’t think they knew what they were talking about, but I am finding now, they truly did all along. There are so many snippets of conversations I now replay in my head, words of worth I offer others, morsels of gold they shared with me which come to mind. Often, I open my mouth and something I heard my dad say flows out. When I need encouragement, I shuffle through mental files of past discussions with my parents containing even a tiny chunk of worth. Bible verses float to the surface…truths you shared, Dad; the forgiveness you offered, Mom, when I looked the other direction and did things my own way which cost all of us. I hear your voices in my head and heed your guidance and respect your prayers for the direction my life is now taking. I am a very wealthy lady because of all you are leaving behind to me: the legacy of you, the years you have walked with the Lord, the wisdom you’ve been pouring into me for so long now, the treasure of your friendship and the memories we have made, the strength of your belief in me and your hope for me, and the example of a pretty flawless marriage to the end.
Dad and Mom, you will live on long after you are gone, not only in my heart, but in everything I say or do, and who I am. There likely won’t be a day, just as there is not now, where you both aren’t a part of most thoughts and the values I carry dear to me which are of worth to others also. You have given me a priceless education in humanity, and I am grateful. It is well. With my soul.
