Have a read through the first 7 chapters of Proverbs and count up how many times the words ‘my son’ or ‘my child’ appear. It’ll vary depending on the Bible translation you’re using, but it’ll probably be around twenty times. So, one way we could read the book of Proverbs is as a letter from a parent to their child (or from a mentor to a younger person), giving advice on how to live a right and godly life. Let’s be honest: it’s not always easy for us to accept advice from our parents or authority figures. We might be tempted to interpret their advice as nagging or trying to spoil our fun. But that isn’t what’s behind their advice. Solomon, the author of the book of Proverbs, tells us his intentions from the beginning: ‘for gaining wisdom and instruction; for…doing what is right and just and fair’ (vv 2-3 NIV). He’s speaking to his children and students out of love, trying to explain to them what he’s already learned about life and God. He’s trying to help them avoid straying into things that could harm them, and instead live a life that’s always tuned into God. So, when we’re being given advice from a parent or mentor, we need to remember that they’re just trying to protect us and help us by sharing the wisdom that they’ve already gained.
What now?
Read Proverbs 1-4, imagining that it’s a letter written directly to you. Whenever you come across ‘my son’ or ‘my child’, replace it with your name.