Have you started to notice repeat proverbs or at least ones that sound very similar to each other? How often have you repeated yourself, on purpose or by accident, because something was that important? Well, time and again Solomon has focused on children’s behavior and how it affects their parents. Today we have two such verses, so we’ll focus on them. Verse 21 says, “It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.” Verse 25 says, “Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.”
Let me start by saying that parenting isn’t easy. These babies don’t come with an instruction manual, and parents down through the ages have had to figure it out. Even the same parents can produce children who are totally different in learning styles, interests, looks, abilities, etc. We could even categorize some children as fools or foolish. But, of course, none of us want to admit we have one of those “fools” in our family. These verses would suggest that is painful and causes grief.
Fools or not, we love our children. We may not like everything they do or say, but we love them to our core. It gives us a glimpse into the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Are we always a fan of what our children do or the decisions they make? No. In fact, I look at my own life and feel badly for the grief I caused my parents at the bad choices I have made. I had my rebellious streak. Looking back, I’m sure I stole some of my parent’s joy to be sure.
With the rise of social media, we tend to see the happy side of things. We see proud parents displaying pictures of their children’s dance recitals, football teams, school awards, crafts and handiwork, and certainly the cute conversations that can come out of the mouths of babes. We put on a good front. We want the world to see our children in the best light. Why? Because it reflects well on us.
If our children are running around with the wrong crowd, breaking the law, using foul language, or hurting other people, we don’t want the world to see that side of things. Why, because we take the blame, we think it’s our fault. We feel pain. We feel guilt. The joy is zapped out of us. What Solomon said is spot on.
If you don’t have children, think about how you were as a child. Maybe you or your children are totally obedient, never make mistakes, never question authority, have generous hearts, fear the Lord, etc. This would describe the “anti-fool” or the wise. More realistically, we or our children do make mistakes, do question authority at times, have a selfish streak, and ignore God’s grace and mercy. We can all be a bit foolish at times. Since we are children of God first, is our behavior robbing God of his joy and causing him to grieve?
Take some time today to thank God for making you who you are. Think through the areas of your life where you shine and feel empowered. Are you giving God glory in those moments? Would he be the proud parent?
Let’s pray … Lord, forgive me for those times in my life when I have been more focused on things of the world rather than on you. Thank you for giving me beautiful children who, like me, at times are foolish. I love them still and pray they will become the wise children of God you designed them to be. May they realize their strengths and their dependence on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
