**The Tale of the Wise Father and the Foolish Son**
In the ancient city of Jerusalem, nestled among the rolling hills of Judah, there lived a man named Eliab. He was a respected elder in the community, known for his wisdom and deep understanding of the ways of the Lord. Eliab had a son named Micah, a young man of great potential but prone to laziness and poor decisions. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city, Eliab called his son to sit with him in the courtyard of their home.
“Micah, my son,” Eliab began, his voice steady and filled with concern, “I have observed your ways, and I must speak to you about the path you are walking. The Lord has given us His Word to guide us, and I fear you are straying from it.”
Micah shifted uncomfortably on the stone bench, avoiding his father’s gaze. “What do you mean, Father? I am doing well enough.”
Eliab sighed, his eyes filled with both love and sorrow. “Listen carefully, my son, for I will teach you wisdom that will save you from ruin. The Lord warns us in His Word about the dangers of laziness, foolishness, and wickedness. Let me share with you the teachings of Proverbs, chapter six.”
Eliab leaned forward, his hands resting on his knees, and began to recount the wisdom of Solomon, the wisest king of Israel.
—
“First, my son, do not be hasty to make pledges or guarantees for others. If you have put up security for a neighbor or shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by your own words. Go quickly, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor to release you from your obligation. Do not rest until you are free, for you have entangled yourself in a snare. Free yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s trap or a bird from the fowler’s snare.”
Micah’s brow furrowed as he considered his father’s words. He had recently promised to repay a debt for a friend, not realizing the burden it would place on him. “I see now, Father,” he said quietly. “I acted without thinking.”
Eliab nodded, his expression softening. “Learn from this, my son. Wisdom begins with understanding the consequences of your actions. Now, let me continue.”
—
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider its ways and be wise. The ant has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, Micah? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
Micah’s cheeks flushed with shame. He had spent many days lounging in the shade, neglecting his duties and relying on others to provide for him. “I have been foolish,” he admitted. “I have not worked as I should.”
Eliab placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “The Lord has given us hands to work and minds to plan. Do not waste the gifts He has given you. Laziness leads to ruin, but diligence brings blessing.”
—
“Next, my son, beware of the scoundrel and the villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, winking maliciously with his eye, signaling with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. His heart is full of deceit; he stirs up trouble constantly, and disaster follows him. For this reason, his downfall will come suddenly; in an instant, he will be destroyed without remedy.”
Micah’s eyes widened. “Father, I have seen such men in the marketplace. They speak smoothly, but their words are full of lies. I have been tempted to join them, thinking their ways would bring me wealth.”
Eliab’s voice grew stern. “Do not be deceived, my son. The Lord detests such men. Their paths lead only to destruction. Instead, walk in integrity and honesty, for the Lord blesses the upright.”
—
“Finally, my son, there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Micah bowed his head, his heart heavy with conviction. “Father, I see now how far I have strayed from the Lord’s ways. I have been prideful, lazy, and quick to follow the crowd. Forgive me.”
Eliab embraced his son, his voice filled with compassion. “The Lord is merciful, Micah. If you turn from your ways and seek Him, He will forgive you and guide you in the path of righteousness. Remember, my son, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
—
From that day forward, Micah resolved to change his ways. He rose early each morning to work diligently, honoring the Lord with his hands. He avoided the company of scoundrels and sought out wise men who feared God. Over time, Micah became known for his integrity and wisdom, just like his father.
And so, the words of Proverbs 6 were fulfilled in Micah’s life: “For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.” Through the guidance of his father and the grace of the Lord, Micah walked in the light of wisdom, bringing honor to his family and glory to God.
