Transcript
Remember life as a teenager?
You know, that in-between stage of being neither fully a child nor fully an adult, when there might be a lot of spewing of angry words, or slamming of doors or walking off in a huff, or rolling one’s eyes.
A Way to Overcome
Teens may blame out-of-whack hormones for their outbursts, but those of us who aren’t that young anymore can be prone to losing our cool, too.
For all of us, a way to overcome the flaring of our tempers is to ask God for wisdom and the gift of self-control—and then to pass along this gift to those we love.
We can heed Solomon’s words in the Bible, for when God asked him what he’d like to receive as a gift, Solomon asked for wisdom (see 1 Kings 3:5–15). And, God responded to his request generously (v. 12).
Solomon then wanted to pass along this gift to his children, so he urged his son in Proverbs 1:8–9:
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.”
In other ways, he says: “Listen! Don’t forsake our teaching!”
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Solomon’s Clothes
The instruction and teaching that parents give to their child will become a compelling part of the child’s nature.
Solomon pictures this wisdom as additions to the son’s wardrobe: a pleasing chain around his neck, and a graceful ornament for his head (v. 9).
The instruction and teaching that parents give to their child will become a compelling part of the child’s nature.
So, too, for us who listen to God’s teaching in the Bible. As we “wear” wisdom, our appearance will become even more appealing.
How can you place a crown of wisdom on your head today, or attach a gold chain of discernment around your neck?
Well, ask God, through His Holy Spirit, to help you hold your tongue, or to reach out in love to someone who’s hurting.
God loves to give us good gifts as He answers our prayers (see Matthew 7:11).
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