Competing with Culture

[370 words] King Solomon knew he was in for a fight. He knew it would be a challenge to keep his children from giving in to the pagan culture that surrounded them. He would plead with his son to listen (knowing it was a very real possibility he wouldn’t): “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent…my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths…” (Prov. 1:8-10,15). Solomon lamented that rebellion against godly parenting led to heartache and grief: “A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him” (Prov. 17:25). “The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his…