Wake Up and Hear the Roses

(Proverbs 23:22 KJV)  Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

As I was comparing translations I saw that the “hearken” (8085) of the KJV was much stronger than the “listen” of the NASB.  The paraphrases search for the nuance by saying “pay attention” and “give ear.”  The old Geneva translation of 1587 says “obey.”

We get so used to listening without hearing.  If you have ever been in front of a group and were comfortable enough to actually watch their faces you can see in the eyes how many have zoned out.  They are looking in the right direction.  They are sitting up.  They are not really paying attention. 

We are surrounded by sources of wisdom and real knowledge.  It is available but too often we do not hearken.

So?  Wake up and listen to the roses.  Focus.  Life has answers and instructions.  Don’t wait until it is too late to follow them.