The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 1:8-9, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;

9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, And ornaments about your neck.”

Quite often we hear older people say, “Boy, times have really changed! When I was a lad….” But, in reality, some

things have existed for generations without the slightest change. Think about it.

The Israelites in Solomon’s day often heard it said, “Listen to your father’s instruction!” More often than not, those were the words of the mother. Her instruction was that her children should listen to their father. She recognized him as the primary instructor in the home. At the same time, the father’s directive was, “Listen to your mother! She teaching you how to do it.”

On the other hand, some things have changed, and not for the better. Too many fathers are too busy with things of their own to instruct their children. “Don’t bother me, son! I’ve had a hard day. Maybe I’ll have some time later on…”

Mothers have had a hard day, too. She works so they can buy what their neighbors acquired. It’s the talk of the neighborhood! “I don’t have time for you to mess in the kitchen, girl. We’ve got to get supper. Our friends are coming over tonight.”

We could perhaps make a case for either parent. Both had worked throughout the day and were tired. Perhaps, too, neither of their parents took the time to help them learn what they needed for living. Yet, how are the children to know

how to parent their own children when they have them? Oh, they’ll proceed to behave like their parents did. So, welcome to the second and third generation of undisciplined, untrained, and for all practical purposes, unloved kids!

Fathers must give his children instruction! Mothers must teach and train her children to become responsible adults.

Solomon said that when parents train their children, it’s like placing “a graceful wreath” on their heads, and hanging “ornaments” around their necks.” It was Albert Barnes who said, “To the Israelite‘s mind no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland around the head, the gold chain around the neck, worn by kings and the favorites of kings.” We are assured of the LORD’s awards, if only we learn to trust and obey those He has placed in authority over us.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”