A Proverb every day enables the believer to grow in Bible principle line by line and precept by precept. The Proverbs are short, simple statements with profound impacts on our life.

Proverbs 1:8
There is much mentioned in Proverbs about wisdom. Chapter 1 begins by discussing the importance of this topic. When we get to verse 8, it really becomes evident of the purpose of the topic. Solomon is speaking to his children. He is warning them under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to not repeat some of the same folly he found himself in earlier in his life. Verse 8 reads, “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother;”
The impacts of this verse are deep. Parents, It is so important that you are able to instruct your children. Notice I did not say “lecture.” I did not say discipline either. The word used in this verse is “instruction.” To instruct is to teach. Teaching is a continual process. It means to express what is wanted. It means to explain why it is the wanted behavior. It means we pattern that wanted behavior in our own life for them to see. It means we compliment and praise them when they do what is right. It means when we see something concerning we correct it in love and show them the right way again.
Notice Solomon is pleading for his son to HEAR his father’s instruction. Just because you are teaching does NOT mean anyone is learning. It takes a decision and effort on the part of the one being instructed to listen and apply the truths being taught.
Parents, please listen this to this: If your child is not listening, the problem could be you. What? Wait… “Chris, are you saying the child does not hold any responsibility?” No, I am not saying that at all. But please hear me out. Many a parent has the attitude of, “Do as I say, not as I do.” That attitude is not biblical. Yes, children are supposed to obey their parents, but many parents make it very difficult to obey them. There is another verse in the New Testament that goes along well with this discussion. Ephesians 6:4 says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” There it is in a clear warning for parents. Do not provoke your children to wrath. Many parents think they are instructing when they really are just yelling. Many parents are not teaching their children they are just telling them what NOT to do. Parents, please, teach your children in plain terms over and over what God has for them. When they fail… and they will fail, teach them again. This is a picture of grace. I am so glad God does not give up on me when I fail. He picks me up again and again.
Parents, pattern for your children the fruit of the spirit. Pattern for them love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness… you get the idea. Pattern for them the concept of communication. Do you want your children to come to you when they have trouble? Or do you want them to hide it because they know you are going to yell? Lets teach them the value of instruction. We need to be the right kind of pattern for our children. There is a lot to this idea of instruction. Pray over this matter. Ask God to help you be the best instructor for your children possible. Parents, pray and ask God to help you be a Godly instructor for your children. The earlier it starts the longer and sweeter the rewards.