The book of Proverbs is written as a set of instructions from a father, to his son. And not a young son, either. Look at the various subjects mentioned: how to deal with a wife, raise children, build a house, plow fields… this is an older father giving advice to his grown son. And via that son, giving advice to future generations.
It is unfashionable to remember this now, but the law of God makes it clear that the concept of ‘Honour thy Father’1 includes three parts: Respect, Care, and Obedience. And Solomon, here, writes a whole book about the ‘obedience’ aspect. He uses the words ‘instruction’, ‘wisdom’, ‘understanding’, and ‘commandments’ … ‘not advice’. He does not say, ‘consider this’, but ‘do this… don’t do that’.
The commandment says, “Honour thy father and thy mother…” and it could well be said that the entire book of Proverbs is an exegesis of that commandment.
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Thank you for reading Von’s Substack. I would love it if you commented! I love hearing from readers, especially critical comments. I would love to start more letter exchanges, so if there’s a subject you’re interested in, get writing and tag me!
Being ‘restacked’ and mentioned in ‘notes’ is very important for lesser-known stacks so… feel free! I’m semi-retired and write as a ministry (and for fun) so you don’t need to feel guilty you aren’t paying for anything, but if you enjoy my writing (even if you dramatically disagree with it), then restack, please! Or mention me in one of your own posts.
If I don’t write you back it is almost certain that I didn’t see it, so please feel free to comment and link to your post. Or if you just think I would be interested in your post!
If you get lost, check out my ‘Table of Contents’ which I try to keep up to date.
Von also writes as ‘Arthur Yeomans’. Under that name he writes children’s, YA, and adult fiction from a Christian perspective. His books are published by Wise Path Books and include the children’s/YA books:
The Bobtails meet the Preacher’s Kid: A Christian historical fiction chapter book about four orphans who go to live with their aunt on a dairy farm.
The Bobtails and the Cousins: The sequel to Preacher’s Kid. The aunt has married, and the cousins come to visit. Meaning town kids dealing with chores and manure and…
The Bobtails go to France: The sequel to cousins. The Bobtails, and Preacher’s Kid, get to take a trip to New York, London, Paris, and a small town in France. To get some cheese.
and
No Ordinary School: A brilliant but socially clueless boy gets recruited for a special school. Where he makes a lot of money, gets a girl, and solves a mystery. And…
Without a Word: A young woman, betrothed against her will to a disreputable older man. How will she honour God and her husband in this difficult marriage? (Published on Substack exclusively.)
As well as GK Chesterton’s wonderful book, “What’s Wrong with the World”, for which ‘Arthur’ wrote most of the annotations.
Arthur also has a substack, and a website. On the substack you can listen to some of his published books. Free.
Thanks again, God Bless, Soli Deo gloria,
Von
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