Hear, my son, your father's teaching
Reject not your mother's song
A graceful crown, a royal diadem
Will they be for the crowning of your soul
Crying aloud is the voice of Wisdom
In open squares and the streets of your soul
So the sinners entice you and say
?Come along.? Hold back your foot from their path
For their way is quick to shed blood
And death will come back on them each and everyone
Happy the man who finds Wisdom
Her profit is better than silver or gold
When you are young, disdain not discipline
And you'll be honored when you grow old
She is like the tree of life
By Wisdom all of the earth was founded
The depths break open, the clouds poured down rain
Let not lady Wisdom escape you
Hear, my song, your Father's teaching
Reject not Wisdom's song
Your Father's Teaching
Your Father's Teaching Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
John Michael Talbot's song "Your Father's Teaching" draws deeply from biblical wisdom literature, presenting a heartfelt call to heed instruction. The opening lines, "Hear, my son, your father's teaching / Reject not your mother's song," immediately establish a parental, instructive tone, mirroring the addresses found throughout the Book of Proverbs, where a father imparts wisdom to his son. This teaching is presented not as a burden, but as something of immense value, described as a "graceful crown, a royal diadem," signifying honor, dignity, and spiritual enrichment for the soul that embraces it.
The song personifies Wisdom, portraying her as an active voice "Crying aloud... in open squares and the streets of your soul." This imagery aligns with Proverbs Chapter 1 and Chapter 8, where Lady Wisdom calls out publicly, making her understanding accessible to all who will listen. The lyrics then introduce a clear contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of sinners, warning against negative influences with the line, "So the sinners entice you and say, 'Come along.' Hold back your foot from their path." The consequence of following such a path is explicitly stated: "For their way is quick to shed blood / And death will come back on them each and everyone," echoing biblical warnings about the swift and destructive end of the wicked.
Following the warning, the song returns to extolling the virtues and rewards of wisdom. "Happy the man who finds Wisdom / Her profit is better than silver or gold" directly reflects sentiments found in Proverbs Chapter 3, which states that wisdom's gain is better than silver and her profit better than gold. The connection between youthful discipline and respected old age is also made, reinforcing the long-term benefits of internalizing these teachings early in life. The lyrics further connect Wisdom to the very fabric of creation, stating "By Wisdom all of the earth was founded," a concept profoundly explored in Proverbs Chapter 8, where Wisdom is depicted as present with God during creation. This elevates wisdom from mere practical advice to a divine principle integral to the order of the universe, urging the listener, "Let not lady Wisdom escape you."
The song video for "Your Father's Teaching" was released on September 5, 2022, presenting this message visually to a contemporary audience. The song culminates by reiterating the central theme with slightly varied phrasing, "Hear, my song, your Father's teaching / Reject not Wisdom's song." This repetition reinforces the primary message: the divine instruction is a song of wisdom that should be embraced, offering guidance, protection, and profound value throughout one's life. The song serves as an inspirational reminder that true happiness and lasting wealth are found not in material pursuits or sinful paths, but in the timeless wisdom passed down through divine and parental teaching.
