[Proverbs as Parables] The Fearful Boy

There once was a boy named Khian who was afraid…of everything! Seriously. Everything. 

At bedtime, he would see monsters in the shadows, monsters in the closets, monsters under the bed…even though there were none. At nap time, he would imagine bugs crawling in his blankets, creepy crawlers under his pillow or spiders lowering from the ceiling!

When he would go on walks, he couldn’t focus on where he was going. He would hear a twig snap and he would spin around expecting a bear to grab him. He would see a tiny bird flit through the trees and run away thinking it was a giant bat with huge talons and humongous fangs. He would often trip and fall after these moments of sheer panic.

Even when he was safe at school he could only think about earthquakes, tornadoes, tidal waves, forest fires or aliens who might come to snatch him. 

He would often fear losing all his money, losing his house, losing his family, losing his coolest toys and even losing his most prized possession: the cutest, most squishiest, softest and best stuffed sheep friend ever named Lammy.

Phew! This is just a short list of all the things Khian was afraid of because Khian was afraid of everything. 

Until one day, he re-discovered a glittery ornament tucked away in his sock drawer. This was no ordinary ornament. It was a necklace to be worn at all times. In it contained fear-repellent! Well not exactly. It’s not like a necklace is going to make all fears go away. It was a truth reminder. It was a reminder of where to go to find wisdom, understanding, good sense and careful thinking. 

This necklace was given to him by his grandmother Kenum a long time ago and he had completely forgotten about it. 

He quickly put it on and it gave him newfound confidence. From then on, he could go for walks without panicking and tripping…at least when he was wearing his special wisdom ornament.

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,

preserve sound judgment and discretion;

they will be life for you,

an ornament to grace your neck.

Then you will go on your way in safety,

and your foot will not stumble.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Have no fear of sudden disaster

or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

for the LORD will be at your side

and will keep your foot from being snared.

Proverbs 3:21-26

Where does wisdom come from, an ornament or the LORD? (The LORD)

Does wisdom guarantee we’ll never be afraid? (No, but when we are fully wise, our full confidence and trust will be in God. He keeps the wise from the consequences of sin that follow the wicked.)

Khian means king of terror

Kenum means brave