Parents and Children (Proverbs 23:24-25)

To bring delight to his (or her) parents should be the ultimate goal for a child.

"The father of the [uncompromisingly] righteous - the upright, in right standing with God - shall greatly rejoice, and he who becomes the father of a wise child shall have joy in him." Proverbs 23:24, Amplified

I like the language in this verse. "He who becomes the father of a wise child..." Isn't a man already a father upon the birth of his child? Or even at conception? The "becoming" is not referring to the father, rather it is referring to the wisdom of the child. There comes an age where the child will know right from wrong. What age is it? Is it a specific age? I believe it changes for different children. With the age issue aside, that man becomes the father of a wise child when that child makes wise decisions.

I remember how much pain I brought upon my parents as a teenager. I made so many bad choices. My mother would lose sleep waiting up for me to come back drunk from a party or even high. But how much joy I brought to my parents as I turned my life around is unmeasurable. The day I went into U-Turn 4 Christ, my life changed. I subsequently went to Bible College and met my wife, which ultimately resulted in the birth of my two beautiful children.

"Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice." Proverbs 23:25, Amplified

This verse is not a request to allow your parents to rejoice because of your actions, rather it is a result of your action that they will rejoice. Read the verse in its original text, "Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bore thee shall rejoice." (KJV)

Training (Proverbs 22:6)

This is a verse that I held on to when I was going astray. Though I knew that what I was doing was wrong, I was not willing to turn from whatever sin I was involved in.

"Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6, Amplified

I thank my parents everyday for teaching me the things of God, for without that I would still be lost. The Bible never infers that a child will not leave the Way, it only states that when he is old he will not depart rom it. Everyone needs to find their own way in this world. If that means straying from the Lord, then that is what he must do. The Bible encourages each one of us by saying this, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12, NKJV) Each one of us has that responsibility in our own lives. Parents are called to lead and direct, but each has his own decisions to make. I made my own decisions, most of which I regret from my adolescence, but I returned to the Way.

Parents, be strengthened with the knowledge that if you have trained your child up in the ways of the Lord, then that foundation will ever be present within their hearts and minds. That sure footing will forever be there for them to return to when they have exhausted everything else.

Honor Your Father and Mother (Proverbs 20:20)

We all have lights, and we all have the potential to be lights. But our lamps can and will be put out under certain circumstances.

"Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in complete darkness." Proverbs 20:20, Amplified

We are called to love and respect our parents. I also want to point out that the Bible is mot sexist. Just because it says "he" does not mean it excludes you girls. All children are called to love and respect and honor their parents. In fact Paul wrote, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you ad you may live long in the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-3, NKJV)

Do it for the Children II (Proverbs 20:11)

Everyone has characteristics that they are known by. But what of actions? The Proverbs are very clear on this question.

"Even a child is known by his acts, whether or not what he does is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11, Amplified

The Bible says that a child is known by his deeds. Whatever he does, everybody knows the intent of his act. At my job, I supervise children. I do not know how many times I have called children out because what they have done. Sure they act all innocent, but there is something inside of myself and every other adult that sees the maliciousness behind the deed. It may be the instantaneous pointing of fingers, or the talking under the breath or even the faintest hint of a smile. But the intent is always known.

It is at this tender age that the indoctrination of the child must begin for if the child knows to cover up his misdeeds then he also knows how differentiate between right and wrong. It is our responsibility to do it for the children. One cannot stress the importance of mentoring. One minds need stable backgrounds to help the find root in the truth.

Good Children (Proverbs 19:26)

It is important for us to be good children to our parents, no matter how old we are.

"He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach." Proverbs 19:26, Amplified

This again is one of those verses that really needs to exposition. It is as plain as day. Be good to your parents. If we are not good to our parents then we bring shame and reproach. I know that there was a time when my parents and I didn't get along. Just realize that it is never too late to reconcile. My father and I became closer even though throughout my life I could not stand the man. The Lord allowed me to see him for the man he truly was. As my father lay on his death bed, all the shame and reproach I brought were gone.

Fathers and Children (Proverbs 17:21)

Every father wants to be proud of the child that comes from his loins.

"He who becomes the parent of a [self-confident] fool does it to his own sorrow, and the father of [an empty-headed] fool has no joy [in him]." Proverbs 17:21, Amplified

Today the verse is pretty self explanatory. Yes, every father wants to take joy in the son that comes from his loins, but when that son is foolish then there is no joy for the father. It is the job, responsibility and privilege of the father to pass on wisdom to his son. This is why it is important to encourage spiritual integrity on children. Not only teach our kids the worldly wisdom that we have experienced, but also teach them about our God that we experience on a daily basis.

Children (Proverbs 17:6)

Lineage was a very important thing to a person back in this era. Even today it means something.

"Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers." Proverbs 17:6, Amplified

A family line is a sort of symbiotic union of persons. The "children's children" being spoken of is referencing grandchildren. I know that as I grew up, I brought some shame onto my father's head. But as I matured and found myself in the Lord and became married that my father joy could be found in my children. And again, as I grew up, my father brought a lot of shame on my head, but as he found the Lord in his life I couldn't have been prouder of him.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." (Psalm 127:3, NKJV)