We have a twin advice in this verse and they are both linked to parents. The first part says, “Listen to your father who begot you”. In the book of Proverbs, the phrase “My son” occurred 23 times. That address was to call the attention of his son, after which he gave a wide variety of advices. In chapter one alone, you have three of such addresses. Verse 8 is like a precursor to our text: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother” Proverbs 1:8 NKJV. Two verses later, you have this: “My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.” Proverbs 1:10 NKJV. Lastly, verse 15 says, “My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path”. Proverbs 1:15 NKJV. Why is the Bible enjoining sons to listen to their fathers? Because fathers have the interest of their sons at heart like no one else does. Moreover, fathers have seen it all, and with years and wisdom on their side, they can safely guide their children through the vagaries of life.

How we treat our parents can impact how we fare in life and how long we live.

The second part of our text is about mothers. Children are advised not to despise their mothers when they get old. Whenever God gives a warning, it is because a danger exists. We are warned not to despise our parents when they are old, suggesting that such temptation is real. As our parents slide into old age, they may suffer from any of the diseases associated with that phase of life. Self-care is out of the equation for them; that is when those who carried us from the womb to maturity need us to carry them. Paul wrote to admonish children to obey their parents in the Lord, stressing this is the first commandment with a promise. How we treat our parents can impact how we fare in life and how long we live.