David Bahn – Reflections

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These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are Proverbs 4-6, Psalm 133.

Proverbs 4:20-27

My son, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
²¹ Let them not escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart.
²² For they are life to those who find them,
    and healing to all their flesh.
²³ Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.
²⁴ Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
²⁵ Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
²⁶ Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
²⁷ Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.

“I tell my boys,” Calvin would say, “you don’t know nothin’ about being 50. But I’ve been your age.” It was his homespun way of reminding his sons that experience matters. He knew more about the ways of the world than they did, and they would be wise to listen.

There is some truth in that. Those who have lived longer often possess valuable wisdom born from both successes and failures. People who have learned from their own mistakes — and the mistakes of others — can help spare the next generation from unnecessary heartache.

But age alone is no guarantee of wisdom. A seasoned embezzler may have much to teach about dishonest gain, but that does not make his counsel life-giving. We do not simply need advice; we need good advice. We need wisdom shaped by truth, honor, and the fear of the LORD.

That is what stands out in these chapters of Proverbs. Again and again, the father urges his son to listen: hear my words, keep my commandments, treasure up wisdom, do not forsake instruction. The repetition is striking. Why? Because there are real dangers waiting for the unsuspecting, and wisdom often enters one warning at a time.

Soon enough Solomon will speak very directly about one of those dangers — sexual temptation. It is alluring, intoxicating, and persuasive. But hormones do not pave the path to life, and desire alone is not a trustworthy guide.

Yet this wisdom is not merely for sons. “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 6:20). These words are for daughters as well, for anyone willing to listen.

And still, even the best earthly wisdom has its limits. Parents fail. Mentors disappoint. We do not always listen as we should. Which is why we need more than wise sayings — we need a Savior. Jesus is not merely a teacher of wisdom; he is the wisdom of God in the flesh. He walks with us through our foolishness, forgives our wandering, and leads us in the way of life. Blessed are those who hear his voice and follow him.

Click here, or on the image below for the Bible Project Video on Proverbs