Tom, age seven, admired his dad’s shiny trophies from school track events sitting on a shelf. He thought, I want one of those for my bedroom. So he asked, “Dad, can I have one of your trophies?” The man surprisingly answered, “No, Tom, those are mine. I earned them, and you can earn your own.” Then they made a plan that if he ran around the block in a certain amount of time (he knew his son could do it), he would give him a trophy of his own. Tom practiced with his dad’s guidance, and a week later his dad cheered him on as he ran the race in time. Tom learned lessons in self-discipline and hard work, and his dad congratulated him with an award.
Proverbs 1:8 encourages children to “listen . . . to your father’s instruction.” Tom’s dad also taught him about running the race of life with Jesus and listening to His leading. He instructed him about choosing “what is right and just and fair,” as the father in Proverbs did (v. 3). A father’s teachings are valuable: “a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (v. 9).
You may not have an earthly father to instruct you in your race with Christ. But God can lead you to a mentor who can pass along their wisdom. Or perhaps God is calling you to mentor someone. He’ll give you guidance as you’re active with others in running the race.
Who in your circle might be one you can learn from about life in Christ? Who might you help?
Father, thank You for the Scriptures that instruct me. Please give me a mentor who knows You well and can share Your wisdom.
In the prelude to the book of Proverbs (1:1-7), the theme of this book and other biblical wisdom literature is introduced: “the fear of the Lord” (v. 7). This grand theme not only bookends the first major section of Proverbs (1:7–9:10), it frames the entire book (see 31:30). From the beginning to the end, the goal is that readers—young and old—would major on honoring God with the whole of their lives. To “fear the Lord” (Psalm 33:8) is to stand in wonder, respect, reverence, and adoration of Him. The fear of God is essential for running the race of faith with Christ. It’s good for mentors and mentees. It’s good for parents to possess and pass on to their children (Proverbs 1:8-9). According to Psalm 34:11, this guiding life-principle can be taught: “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
