I know I sound like a broken record with the guys I coach. They are young players and I stress the same things over and over. On defense, it’s “get in ready position, come and get the ball, slow down for fielding position, field through it, throw through the target and not to it…” On offense, it’s “get and stay balanced, watch the ball, wait for it, attack it…” The same thing over and over.

I’m sure they get tired of hearing it. But I won’t stop saying it. It’s that important. If they don’t learn these skills, they have no chance in baseball. They will forever flounder on defense and at the plate, relying only on strength and raw power to be successful. In the long run, a lack of fundamentals will destroy their careers.

Proverbs 4:4–“…Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live; acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!” (NASB).

Those are the words of a father to his son from the very outset of childhood. This father, much like the entire book of Proverbs, sounds like a broken record to his son. He keeps repeating the need for wisdom and understanding. “OK, dad, I get it.” “No, son, you don’t. This is huge. I’m not letting you leave this home without realizing how important and fundamental these things are.”

Without wisdom and understanding, this young man can never be successful as a worker, as a husband, as a father, as anything. Godly wisdom and understanding serve as his foundation. Without them, he is lost, operating only on his own strength and brains, which won’t take him very far (that’s called foolishness).

God may sound like a broken record to you, but I’m thankful He repeats the same things over and over. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Surrender all of you to Jesus! These are the messages we need to hear daily. The rest of our lives are built on this foundation.

Here’s a prayer:

Heavenly Father, I admit that I have often resented your instruction. I have wanted more than the daily acquisition of godly wisdom and understanding. I have wanted to do things my own way, in a hurry. I haven’t wanted to work on “fielding position” and “balance at the plate” in life. But, I realize how much I need the basics that come from learning your Scripture and talking to you each day. Thank you for your grace and patience with me. Teach me again the fundamentals of following and loving you. Amen.