It Takes All Three

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother" (Proverbs 1: 8). This verse speaks of a father and mother who will give proper teaching to their son, and a son who will obey and follow the good teaching he receives. To have a good child there should be a good father and a good mother. They must know right from wrong and teach the will of the Lord to their offspring.

But the child has a responsibility also. He may receive good instruction but he may not follow it. If he does not he will bring destruction upon his own head. It will be HIS fault; not that of his parents.

When father, mother and child cooperate together in following the way of God in their lives, the family unit will be a most pleasant and acceptable before God. But it takes all three. In this respect this proverb is so much like Proverbs 22: 6.