My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you
This chapter continues the focus of Proverbs 1 (:8, 10, 15) with father still addressing his son. This verse is the first in a series of three conditional “if” commands (:1-4) that lead to a promised “then” result (:5).
The verse makes clear that the son has to make definite choices about what he is going to do with his father’s instructions. He can choose to accept his words and keep his commands in his heart or not.
Every day all of us have to make decisions concerning to whom and what we will listen – and there will be benefits or consequences based on these choices. Our ability and willingness to listen to others and accept advice is foundational to our daily – even lifetime – physical and spiritual well-being.