Wisdom from the Proverbs 04
Let Your Heart Keep My Commandments
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”
Let’s be honest. When we were the kids and our parents told us something, they had to repeat it two or three times until we finally said, “Okay! I got it!” And if we are totally honest, it is probably still true today!
The same was true back in King Solomon’s day, as he gives these instructions that can be traced back to Deuteronomy 6 with what God instructed the people of Israel to do with their children. Keep the commandments, be loving and faithful, and let it be seen in all you do.
These proverbs were talking about right living and general descriptions of life’s realities, not surefire promises or guarantees. These were general principles that, if applied consistently to our lives, will save us from unnecessary pain and suffering. So if we want those younger than us to follow what the scriptures are telling us, we need to be doing it as well.
Seize the moment and lead the way for others to follow after God by remembering the wise king’s teachings and keeping God’s commands.