“The nice thing about friends is that you get to choose them. But, when it comes to family members, you’re stuck with what you get. And boy, did I ever get stuck,” said the comedian.
No doubt that many of us feel this way about our Moms and Dads, brothers and sisters. And even though names and addresses vary, all families have some things in common and some things that are vastly different. But there are two primary truths that cannot be denied: One is that God intended parents to be the primary teachers and influencers of their children. And the other is that family ties are never completely severed no matter where parents or children eventually complete their lives. An invisible bond remains.
The contrast between a “wise son bringing joy to his father and a foolish son bringing grief to his mother” implies that this family is “divided” or “dysfunctional.” It emphasizes the fact that the behavior of one member of the family affects the behavior of all of the other family members. This tragedy is seen throughout the Bible.
The “joy” infused into the family by the “wise son” does not eliminate the “grief” that invades a family by a son who is “foolish.” The “foolish” son is the one who, by his behavior, brings “hardships” to the parents as well as others in the family.
But the “hardships” need not remain. Again and again Solomon reminds us that gaining wisdom is a choice that brings change. The same is true of being born again.
Prayer: Because You love us, Father, no parent or child is beyond Your mercy and grace. Your Son offers us hope! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Proverbs 10:1 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
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