[Proverbs as Parables]: Liam Can’t Do Anything

“I can’t!” “I don’t know!” “It’s too hard!” These are the things Liam would say quite frequently! 

His mom would encourage him to kick a ball and he would say, “I can’t!” His father would ask him his opinion on Doritos Ranch or Doritos Original and he would say, “I don’t know!” His teacher would challenge him to complete his math problem and he would say, “It’s too hard!”

When it came to making wise choices, he would say, “It’s too expensive!”

One day, his father sat Liam down to have a conversation with him about life. “Pay attention,” he said, “and you’ll understand all the wonderful things about life!”

“You know, son, I too was a little boy like you. My father once taught me all about making wise choices, learning the best things and how to really live. Would you like to learn all these things too so you don’t lose your way?”

“I would, dad, but it sounds too hard.”

“Well son, it’s simple and it is costly, but all it takes to get started is one step: get after wisdom! When you treasure getting wisdom, you’ll learn what it means to really live!”

Of course, I would love to tell you that Liam spent the rest of the day getting wisdom, but instead, all he did was whine, complain and quit and say, “It’s too hard!”

While wisdom truly is hard to master, it is also very easy to get started: get after it! (Proverbs 4:7). 

How do you know if you really want to make the wise choice? (Your whole heart will be in it, you’ll look for it and ask for it.)

Do you ever act like Liam? What happens to wisdom with Liam-like responses? (You can’t get it!)

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding.

I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honour you.

She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown. ”

Proverbs 4:1-9