The first way in which the fear of the Lord is to be expressed in a person’s life is in a child’s relationship to his parents. The blessings of knowledge and wisdom that the fear of the Lord initiates begin to be enjoyed while a child is living under his parents’ roof. Solomon explains how in Proverbs 1:8—“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”
The first steps on the path of wisdom are taken when a child listens to the instruction of his parents. Jewish parents were expected to teach their children diligently throughout the day—from sunrise to sunset; when rising, sitting down, walking by the way, and lying down (Deuteronomy 6:7). Christian fathers are to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Like Jesus, a person of wisdom at an early age listens, learns, and lives accordingly (Luke 2:40, 52).
The first steps on the path of wisdom are taken when a child submits to the authority of this parents. Submitting oneself to those delegated by God to have authority in certain spheres of life is an essential to living a righteous and wise life. Neither “children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1) nor “children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20) can be more clearly stated. Those who are disobedient to parents and those who advocate such foolishness have reprobate minds and are worthy of death (Romans 1:28-32). To be like Jesus, a person of wisdom must submit to the authority of his parents (Luke 2:51).
Sadly, many adults today are on the path of foolishness and its destination of eternal destruction because they never took the first steps on the path of wisdom when they were young.
