5 Minute Read
TODAY’S BIBLE READING:
2 Kings 6:1–7:20
Acts 15:36–16:15
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 17:24-25
TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):
Proverbs 17:25 (CSB): “A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.”
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE(S):
As Kim and I have sent two of our boys out into the world, our intense, heartfelt love for them desires the best for them. We want them to excel. We want them to love and serve the Lord – and enjoy doing it. We want them to find a godly spouse, create a godly home, and raise godly children.
I cannot think of anything worse than for one of our boys to reject the Lord and pursue a life of sin. I suspect that Kim and I would go to bed with tears every evening.
This is what is addressed in the verse that I have chosen as Today’s Bible Verse.
Proverbs 17:25 (CSB): “A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.”
This verse is the polar opposite of a verse that I love.
3 John 4 (CSB): “I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth.”
So, a foolish son (one who rejects the Lord and the ways of the Lord) brings intense sorrow to his parents while a child who loves the Lord and walks in His ways brings the highest kind of happiness to his parents.
Intense sorrow or the highest kind of happiness?
I definitely choose the latter!
So what can we do to avoid experiencing the intense sorrow of a son or daughter who rejects the Lord and follows a life of sin? What can we do to increase our happiness with children who love the Lord and walk in His ways? Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
- Teach your children the Bible when they are young and continue to do it as they grow older. Do not simply delegate this to the church. Parent, it’s ultimately your responsibility.
- Live out your faith at home. Your children may hear what you say, but if they see that you don’t take your faith seriously, don’t be surprised if they don’t take Jesus seriously, either. If you want them to take Jesus seriously, then you take Him seriously, especially when you are home and they are the only ones watching.
- Take them to church regularly. Let them know that the Christian life was never intended to be lived alone. It is to be lived in a community of a family of friends. Make sure that the pastor and teachers always have an open Bible and are teaching straight from the text. Make sure that sin is taken seriously and that grace is taken just as seriously. And make sure that it is a Jesus-centered church, one where Jesus is the hero, not the pastor or anyone else.
- Pray for them! Pray again! Then pray some more! While you have some controls over your children’s behavior, only God can work on their heart. So daily go to the throne of grace on behalf of your children. Observe what is going on in your child’s life and make those things the content of your passionate prayers to God.
In other words, work toward your own happiness, parents. Equip your children to follow the Lord because when they do, you will be filled with happiness and not grief.
Proverbs 17:25 (CSB): “A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.”
3 John 4 (CSB): “I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth.”
Matt’s Musings 
This is one blog that needs repeating many times. So many parents neglect the proper raising of their children. Are they uncaring? Most are caring, but truly ignorant of what it takes to raise a child with Godly instruction and discipline! I am so thankful I did it right! I followed God’s instruction and today I realize how important, more than ever, raising Children with Godly instruction is, because it truly made the difference between life and death for them! There were struggles at times, due to Satan’s temptations and worldly influences. But with prayer, sacrifice, perseverance and God’s help, we overcame these interferences. Both my children are saved, and their spouses are saved, and 2 of my 4 grandchildren are saved. Their lives are loving and God centered. They are training up their children as you have outlined. None are exactly where I am in my walk with The Lord, but I have been at it longer and my maturity in Godliness has a few more years ahead of them, but they will get there in time. They have no drug or alcohol dependencies, no tattoos or piercings, they are kind, courteous, respectful and volunteer helping others. Even the kids do regular volunteering helping others! They have achieved much, both parents and children and I am so proud. My daughter and husband have done several mission trips and been volunteer youth leaders at their Church. Thank The Lord! In my old age, I am content and blessed that my children and grandchildren are right with God! Praise and glory to Him! Amen!
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Barbara, you are blessed.
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