Proverbs 4:10-13

Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.

All that the father here can do is instruct, admonish, and exhort. He can provide words. But the son must accept those words. The son must walk in the wisdom and knowledge taught him. He must keep hold of instruction and guard her.

As a high school principal and teacher, I discovered that the biggest barrier to learning is the student’s own attitude toward learning. The student not motivated to learn will do poorly regardless of ability; conversely, the motivated student will rise to the occasion. Profiting from instruction is a heart issue. That is why God will not accept ignorance as an excuse for sin and for unbelief. If you desire God; if you seek true wisdom, then you will hold on to the instruction in God’s Word.

The result of such motivation is life. To let go of instruction, be it out of rebellion or laziness, is to end up with death. Hold on to instruction; hold on to the Truth that is Jesus Christ.