Blog - Proverbs 1:9

If you like this blog, then you will like Get Wisdom, Get Understanding which is Pastor Wagner's commentary on Proverbs chapter 1 which is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. Find out more here. For all the blogs in this series, click here: Proverbs Commentary. Proverbs 1:9 "For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." (Pro 1:9)

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The instruction of fathers and the law of mothers, when heeded by obedient children (Pro 1:8), will be to them as precious jewelry worn for all to see. Better it is to wear an ornament of grace than one of gold. A "wise reprover upon an obedient ear" is "as an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold" (Pro 25:12). Young girls often want to wear earrings before their parents are ready to allow it, but if a young lady regards her parents' rules, she is already wearing the finest gold earring she could wish for. Jewelry is normally worn to beautify a person and draw the attention of others. A wise and well-mannered child who respects and observes the commands and instructions of her parents will be more attractive and will stand out from her peers more pronouncedly than if she were wearing a golden crown and three pounds of gold chains around her neck. This is not only true of children. Wisdom, when acquired (Pro 4:7), exalted, and embraced (Pro 4:8) in a Christian's life from his heavenly Father, "shall give to [his] head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to [him]" (Pro 4:9). The most handsome necklace a man can don is one made of mercy and truth (Pro 3:3). A godly woman, who instead of adorning herself with beautifully braided hair, fine gold jewelry, and attractive clothing (1Pe 3:3), rather puts on "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1Pe 3:4) looks far more attractive to her husband than does the "fair woman which is without discretion," who is as striking to him as "a jewel of gold in a swine's snout" (Pro 11:22). A father's commandment and a mother's law should be kept and not forsook (Pro 6:20), especially when they are repetitions of God's commandments and laws. In order to ensure they are not lost, Solomon tells his son to "bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck" (Pro 6:21). This is the finest necktie that a young man will ever wear which will be noticed and praised by many. Most decent parents would not let their children leave the house dressed like slobs. How much more important it is to not let them leave home without having adorned them with the knowledge of God. Parents, just as God instructed Israel, teach the scripture to your children: bind it upon their necks and fingers, strap it as frontlets between their eyes, and write it upon their hearts while they are still young and impressionable.

Deu 6:6 - And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: Deu 6:7 - And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deu 6:8 - And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Deu 6:9 - And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

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