The Beginning of Knowledge

Proverbs 1:1-9

Intro:  The need for Respect.  The disintegration of the family structure in culture and the destruction of the role of the husband/man in society is alarming.  The necessity for both parents to be parents

I.  Fear/Respect for God is the foundation/beginning of knowledge

II.  Fools despise wisdom and instruction

III.  Application:

            A.  My Son

                        1.  Speaks of the relationship

                        2.  Speaks of endearment of a teacher to a student

            B.  Hear the instruction of thy father

                        1.  Hear:

                                    To Hear intelligently often with the idea of attention and obedience

                                    Not “in one ear and out the other.”

                        2.  Instruction

                                    Reproof, Warning, Chastisement

            C.  Father - Application

                        Children (spec. sons)  Show your respect for your father by listening to their instruction. 

                                                Their instruction may come in the form of reproof, warning or chastisement and may not be fun to take, but take it

                        Fathers:  Do not be neglectful in the proper upbringing of your children.  Instructing your children (sons) through using reproof, warning or chastisement is mandatory.

            D.  Forsake

                        1.  To pound (i.e. smite)  To thrust off, down our                                  

                        2.  Connotation:  a willful casting away or shedding

            E.  Law

1.  A precept or statute as in the Decalogue      

2.  Has the idea of an unchangeable rule

            G.  Mother - Application

                        Children (spec. sons) Show respect for your mother by continuing in her law. 

                                                This extends to all time frames: when she is not looking, when you are out of the house, when you are grown and have your own house

                        Mothers:  Do not be neglectful to lay down the law.  Your children and specifically your sons need you to set the rules and enforce them consistently.

IV.  Results of Respecting your Parents

They shall be

A.  An ornament of grace unto thy head

1.  Both the instruction and the law become one ornament Grace

                  2.  An individual cannot have the ornament of grace with only one half of the equation

            B.  Chains about thy neck.

                        These chains are both a reminder and a show piece

                        A reminder of the diligence it took to earn the chains

                        A show piece showing others your wealth