Like many parents today, King Solomon was concerned about his son's decisions when he was grown.
Raising children is about helping them develop and grow into who they ought to be. Being a parent doesn’t mean letting your child do whatever they want to do - there is some guidance involved.
As parents, we are also concerned about the decisions our children will make in the future - and we try to prepare them for a time when they will be on their own.
Here are five things Solomon emphasized to his son.
Knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7-9).
Wisdom is more valuable than anything this world offers (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Trust in God and His wisdom rather than yourself and your wisdom (Proverbs 3:1-12).
Do not forget or turn away from God and His wisdom (Proverbs 4:1-7).
An immoral sexual relationship will destroy you (Proverbs 5:1-8; 6:20-26; 7:1-5).
Solomon understood the kinds of things that really mattered - and he also knew what could be destructive to his child.
As parents, we need to remind our children of what really matters in this life.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)