How can Proverbs 31:2 inspire us to honor parental wisdom today? Opening the Verse “What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?” (Proverbs 31:2) What We Hear in the Mother’s Cry • Threefold “What” grabs attention—she will say something worth taking to heart • “Son of my womb” recalls the intimacy of birth, the cost of bringing life forth • “Son of my vows” points to the promises she made before God to raise this child in righteousness • The verse sets the stage for counsel that follows (vv. 3-9) and shows the gravity God places on parental guidance Honoring Parental Wisdom: Why It Matters • God commissioned parents as primary teachers of faith and life (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) • Parental counsel carries covenant weight; ignoring it often leads to avoidable pain (Proverbs 5:11-13) • Honoring parents is a command with promise—long life and blessing (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2-3) • Parents possess lived experience; their hindsight can become the child’s foresight • Respecting their wisdom trains the heart in humility, a virtue God exalts (James 4:6) Practical Ways to Live It Out Today • Choose active listening—put away devices, maintain eye contact • Ask follow-up questions that show you value their insight • Keep a journal of family stories, lessons, and faith milestones • Invite parents into decision-making moments rather than reporting after the fact • Practice prompt obedience when counsel aligns with Scripture (Colossians 3:20) • Express gratitude regularly—spoken words, notes, acts of service • Share how their advice paid off; it affirms their role and encourages continued guidance • For adults with believing parents: schedule periodic “wisdom lunches” to glean counsel on marriage, finances, or parenting • For those with unbelieving or absent parents: honor the principle by seeking godly mentors and speaking respectfully about parents’ position, even if relationship is strained Scriptures That Echo the Call • “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” (Proverbs 1:8) • “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” (Proverbs 23:22) • “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) • “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice…” (2 Timothy 1:5) Living Legacy Proverbs 31:2 reminds us that parental counsel is not casual chatter; it is covenant speech born of sacrifice and sealed with vows. Treating it with honor invites God’s blessing, strengthens families, and sets the next generation on a course of wisdom and stability. |
    |