David’s attempt to provide sound parental advice comes at the end of his life.

💫 David’s poor parenting decisions regarding Amnon, Tamar and Absalom ( 2 Sam 13-18 ) were no doubt in the back of Solomon’s mind as he received his father’s advice. Later on, it is recorded that Solomon fell short of his covenantal obligations ( 1 Kings 11:1-6 )

💫 David, before dying, instructs Solomon :
🔖 to walk in God’s ways.
🔖 to listen and obey God.
📌 Then God will prosper the dynasty, fulfilling his pledge that the royal family will have a man on Israel’s throne forever.

📝 Ambrose in the fourth century addressed mothers, saying, “Mothers, wean your children, love them, but pray for them that they may be long-lived above on the earth , not on it, but above it. Nothing is long-lived on this earth.. Warn them rather to take up the cross of the Lord than to love this life “.

📌 The Bible does not speak volumes about parenting :

☑️ BAD PARENTS : Eli and Samuel ( 1 Sam 2:12-25 ; 3:11-18 ; 8:1-3 )

✅ GOOD PARENTS : Job, Lois and Eunice ( Job 1:1-5 ; 2 Tim 1: 5 )
📌 Proverbs contains information useful for parenting, and other Biblical books provide instructions for parents ( Deut 6:7-9; 11:19-21 ; Eph 6:1-4 )

📝 God was pleased with Solomon for he had asked for the discerning spirit ( 1 Kings 3:9 ) . Like David, God said, “if you WALK in my ways and OBEY my statutes and commands… I will give you a LONG LIFE ” ( 1 Kings 3:14 )
Indeed Solomon was blessed to receive these noble instructions from God and from his father 🙌

💞 Beloved Church, “Do not neglect your responsibility to your son or daughter, but from their youth you shall teach them to REVERE GOD“.
🗣 Speak about the attributes of God in a very confidential and friendly manner @ about God, Scriptures, Jesus Christ, Future Life and their holy obligations.

🛐 God, there are Children in my life who are watching my actions : my own children as well as children at church and in my neighbourhood. HELP THOSE LITTLE EYES TO SEE JESUS IN ME Amen 🙏

Glory to God 🙌
✍🏻 Mark Boje
Arunachal Pradesh, India 🇮🇳