My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart. – Proverbs 3:1

Today's Scripture Reading (December 15, 2025): Proverbs 3

Here is our reality. The generation gap has always been there. We often don't see things the way that our parents did. As a result, we tend to complain about what our parents tell us. However, if I can make a suggestion, Moms and Dads all over the world tell us the things they do not to annoy us, but because they love us and want the best for us. The instruction that they give to us consists of something that they honestly believe will make our lives better, not to destroy all of our fun.

Sometimes we disagree, and sometimes mom and dad are even wrong, although I have to admit that, in my experience, they are right a lot more than I might want to admit. But how much different would it be in those moments of unwanted advice if we just took a step back and tried to understand that everything mom and dad choose to tell us is intended to make our lives better.

Experts tend to argue over the words "my commands." What is Solomon trying to tell Rehoboam? Should all of Dad's commands be followed, or is Solomon's purpose limited to just the laws of God about which Solomon is speaking? And a number of the voices that I trust fall on the side of God's law. But I think I disagree. Solomon is speaking of God's law, but he is also referring to experiences that have taught him important lessons beyond the Bible.

The theme of Proverbs is a plea to Solomon's audience, beginning with his son, to order their lives in such a way that they are on the best footing for the future. He believes that if Rehoboam follows the things that Dad believes are important, his life will be structured positively, and he will be in a place where he can succeed. If you order your life well, you have a chance for success. Success is what Solomon means when he says, "they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity" (Proverbs 3:2). But success is a byproduct of how you live your life and the things that you believe.

I believe that this is the main task of a parent. If you are a parent, our job is to get our kids ready for the world. Some of it is in the Bible. But other elements might not be, but they are still important. There is a list of things that we know will bring order to our lives. It is because of these things that we are in a position to succeed. And if our children will just follow our example, these things will bring success to their lives as well.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4