Wise Children

For Monday, February 11, 2006
Proverbs 15:20

A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.

This proverb presents a contrast between the wise and the foolish. The wise are the pride and joy of their parents; the foolish are their shame. But I want fathers to consider what they should be looking for in their children.

Look, of course, for wisdom. More than athletic achievement and even more than good grades, look for wisdom. Cultivate in them early the way to make wise discernments - how to control their tongues, how to be conscientious in their work, the value of knowledge and understanding, all the things that the proverbs have been extolling. You may want to present a "proverb a day" to them. Surely a biblical proverb is as good as giving a daily vitamin.

But also note a sign of foolishness that ought to disturb the father - despising one's mother. Most likely what is meant is disregarding her instruction and discipline. The father, above all, is to protect the honor of his wife especially before his children. They should know that to speak back to their mother will result in dire consequences administered by their father. Never allow your children to show disrespect to your wife. There are no winners. Your wife is disheartened and hurt, and your children grow up foolish.

Applying this metaphorically, we should be reminded that not only are we to show respect to our Lord Jesus Christ, but to his Bride, the Church. To honor him is to honor his Bride.