The Wise Son

For Thursday, November 29, 2007
Proverbs 27:11

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
that I may answer him who reproaches me.

This proverb may be regarded as a transitional verse. Similar ones appear throughout the book indicating a change in subject. But taken by itself, it impresses upon us that our acting in wisdom or in folly impacts more than ourselves. The parent does, and must, care about the behavior of the child, regardless of age. The teacher should care whether his teaching is making a diffence in the lives of his students. And so the mentor for his disciple, the craftsman for his apprentice. Solomon is not writing and collecting proverbs as a hobby. He intends for them "to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth" (1:4). It matters, then, if youth do learn knowledge and discretion.

Think of a case in which God was questioned about the behavior of a "son" - that of Job. Satan "reproached" God, saying that Job only lived a righteous life because of the good he received. God allowed Job to be put to the test in order to answer Satan.

How well Job handled the test can be questioned, but there is a better story, the story of God's Only Begotten Son. He also was put to the test. He proved himself wise through his complete obedience, so that God was able to say, "With you I am well pleased." Let us be thankful for this son who was and is wise, and who will be able to answer for us on the day of judgment when our accuser comes with his reproaches.