Joseph Mekael Page

Proverbs Daily: Are You Seeing Clearly?

Proverbs 20:20

KJV: “Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.”
NLT: “If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.”

Reflection

Proverbs 20:20 delivers a profound message about the consequences of dishonoring our parents. In biblical symbolism, the “lamp” represents life, guidance, and hope. To curse or insult one’s father or mother—whether through words, actions, or attitudes—rejects the God-ordained authority in the family. It also extinguishes the light of wisdom and plunges one into spiritual and emotional darkness.

Seeing Clearly (20/20 Vision): The metaphor of 20/20 vision encourages us to look closely at our hearts. We should also examine our actions toward those who raised us. Are we harboring resentment or dishonor? Are we blind to the divine order and the blessings that come from respecting our parents? Clear spiritual vision enables us to walk in obedience to God and maintain the light of His wisdom.

Personal Testimony

As a young man, I struggled with respecting my parents. Reflecting on my past, I’m amazed at the deep disrespect I once carried in my heart. This behavior stemmed from witnessing fights in our home, including my father’s abuse toward my mother. My inability to respect him grew into a deep-rooted anger and hatred, which caused me to clash with God.

I said things I shouldn’t have and even created a video publicly sharing the painful events of my childhood. But despite my disrespect, God was merciful. He could have taken my physical life. The real consequence was the snuffing out of my lamp of knowledge. My wisdom and understanding were also affected. I wandered in darkness, unable to build a stable life.

But God is a redeemer. Through His Word, I found wisdom, clarity, and healing. Loving God gave me the strength to forgive and love my parents, despite our past. I’m blessed to have reconciled with them and apologized for my behavior. Respecting them now is a testimony of God’s transforming power in my life. I’m grateful to stand firmly in Christ, affirming His Word and walking in the light of His wisdom.

Application

• Restoration and Forgiveness: Take steps to reconcile any broken relationship with your parents. Seek God’s guidance to forgive past hurts and honor them.
• Honor in Action: Show love and care for your parents, even in challenging circumstances.
• Protect the Lamp: Guard the light of wisdom, understanding, and life by aligning your heart with God’s will.

Supporting Scriptures

• Exodus 20:12 (KJV): “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD and you will have a long life on the earth.”
• Exodus 20:1 (NLT): “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Open our eyes to see clearly the relationships in our lives that need restoration. Teach us to honor and love our parents, regardless of the circumstances, knowing that in doing so, we honor You. Protect our lamps, Lord, and keep us walking in Your light, free from the darkness of dishonor and disobedience. Amen. 🙏