CHAINS

Proverbs 1:8-9 say "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."

What do you think about when you hear the word 'chain'? I think about Spike, the big bulldog off the TV show 'Tom and Jerry'. He's just fallen asleep right outside his doghouse when Tom sneaks up and attaches the chain to Spike's collar. Tom then retreats to just outside the reach of the chain and gives a shrill whistle. Spike jumps up, charging at Tom until suddenly "UMPH!!!"

CHAIN = RESTRICTION!

Proverbs 1:8-9 say that our father's instruction and our mother's law can be chains about our necks. That doesn't sound to good. But think about it: Why would someone leash or restrict a dog? I can think of several reasons (thanks to my brother's dog!)

1. It keeps the dog out of the street!
Every parent (saved or unsaved) wants the best for their children. When your mother's law is that you can't go to certain parties, she's trying to protect you from some bad decisions. When your father's instruction is restricting your dating life, he's trying to protect you from making a mistake you'll regret. He's trying to protect your purity!

2. It keeps the dog out of the garbage!
You really don't realize how nasty garbage is until you have to pick up after a dog's been through it: left over spaghetti, dirty baby diaper (why do they like that?), snot tissues, scabby bandaids (I just threw up a little in my mouth!), etc... No wonder garbage stinks! Your mom and dad's rules and restrictions are there to keep you out of that stinking garbage called SIN.

3. It keeps the dog close to home!
After years of training, that dog (if trained right) will not leave it's master. It wants to stay close. When you're out of the house and you've followed your parents restrictions most of your life, you'll stick close to those guidelines you've been taught. You're less likely to make terrible mistakes later in your life.

4. It keeps the dog from hanging with strays!
Everyone knows someone that is/could be a bad influence in their life. Those restrictions that your parents have for you can keep you from getting too close to that bad influence. One of the saddest stories in the Bible start with the phrase "but Amnon had a friend..." Amnon was too afraid to commit a terrible sin, but his friend was a bad influence. It cost Amnon his life!

5. Chaining up the dog keeps your shoes clean!
Just an observation!

Proverbs 1:8-9 "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."