The Wise Son

For Monday, May 23, 2005
Proverbs 10:1

A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

A foolish son or daughter is a sorrow to parents, for whatever else they may achieve in life, it is in their children that they take greatest pleasure and pride. It is their children whom they love most and through whom they hope to leave a loving and honorable legacy. How great then must be the joy and pride of God the Father in his wise son. How joyful was the day of his son's baptism when he declared, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." How joyful it was to see his son live a life of perfect obedience, always doing his father's will. Whatever the pain of the cross when his wrath must come down upon his son, yet great was his pride that his son would bear it willingly and victoriously, so that we prodigals could be restored as sons and daughters. Gives thanks this day for this Wise Son, who is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters (cf Hebrews 2:11).