4 LISTEN (or HEAR), my sons, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding. Proverbs 4:1
In the earlier NIV Bibles the word ‘Listen’ is used three times in Proverbs 4. No matter what the translation, God’s emphasis is on Listening to Him. The Hebrew word, ‘Shama’ means ‘to listen intelligently’, not just something that passes by and is gone, but to really focus on what’s being said.
All three pictures are of a father speaking to His son(s). I have mentioned previously that in Jerusalem on Shabbat it is common to see fathers out walking with their sons. It’s a time set aside for fathers to bond with their young children, away from other responsibilities.
‘Pay Attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.’
The object is for the son(s) ‘to learn’ from their Father.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
This father was modelling how he himself had been taught as a child in the home of his parents – what a blessing for any young son. To receive instruction for his life and not just physical nourishment. The father figure is so often missing from the home today and young boys, soon grown men have no one to look to for guidance and advice.
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
The father seeks to give advice to help the son negotiate the paths of life, words that will speak to him and guide him in the years ahead. The discourse continues with the advice ‘to shun the course of the wicked and not to set foot it.’
The third reference to this fatherly advice regards health and life;
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear (Listen Closely) to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are LIFE to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body. (Medicine to our flesh)
Derek Prince called these verses, ‘God’s Medicine Bottle’, because he received healing through them.
The next verse is also very important;
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
(23 Guard your heart with all your strength,
for everything there is in life comes out of it.)
What’s in our heart will determine the course of our lives.
God is speaking to us and telling us to ‘Listen to Him’, take His counsel for our lives. Many times we go on our own course and don’t Listen, but He’s very patient and caring. When we’re willing to focus on Him and walk in His ways life becomes more satisfying and purposeful.
May God bless and keep you today.
Happy Fourth of July to all our friends in America!