Natural or Artificial

(Proverbs 13:1 KJV)  A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

It may not be obvious to you but the beginning phrase of this verse does not have a verb in the Hebrew.  You know that in the KJV and NASB because the verb “heareth” or “accepts” is in italics.  What we do have is the concept that there is a relationship between a “wise” (2450) “son” (1121) and a “father’s” (1) “instruction" (discipline NASB) (4148). 

What is the relationship?  You need to build that from the context of the chapter and the book.  One thing that is clear is that the son does not get wise by ignoring the attempts of the father to raise him properly.  Does a negligent father or lack of a father doom a child?  No.  God is still at work and can bring teaching from other sources but this is the natural one.  In a day when “natural” is supposed to be best, why do so many people ignore this?

So?  Be aware of your influence on others.  Be aware of the forces at work on you.  Some are natural, some are artificial.  If you are not blessed with the best then make use of what is available.