Proverbs 10:1-10, Bound in the Bundle of Life

April 17, Proverbs 10:1-10

Luke 15:11-32; Eph. 6:1-4; 1 Tim. 4:8 Give us homes where Christ is Lord.

Bound in the Bundle of Life

Without the ties of family-love, life would be less painful, but a whole lot poorer as well. When Benjamin was going to be imprisoned in Egypt, Judah made a moving appeal for his release based on the anguish and sorrow it would cause their father. Judah said in part; His life (Jacob’s) is bound up with the lad’s life (Gen. 44:30). The first proverb (10:1) is addressed to sons (and daughters). It makes the point that a choice may be very personal, but it is seldom only private. How significant that the first proverb in this new section deals with the fundamental relations of human society! What does Solomon mean by a wise son? Is he a great brain and a renowned scholar? Is he one who has risen to great wealth by his business ability? Is an honoured million-dollar athlete necessarily a wise son? Surely, for Solomon, the wise son is a godly son (Pr. 9:10).

1. A Child that Gladdens: This ties in with the last study in chapter 9. Pr. 10:1 presupposes that the father himself is godly, otherwise how would a godly son gladden him? Worldly fathers usually regard a godly son as either weak or fanatical. Luther’s father was angry when the young Luther forsook law for religion. Nothing, however, can be more gladdening to a godly father, than to see his son living for the Lord. No warmer sunshine could fall upon his soul for two special reasons. a. He sees in this the best results of his own training and example. His labours have not been in vain. b. Most of all, he knows that therein lies his son’s true happiness and fulfillment. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Tm. 4:8). Let every young person hear this! You have opportunity and responsibility to make your father’s and mother’s hearts glad, and God will hold you accountable for that.

2. A Child that Saddens: A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother (10:1). Arnot calls this an almost impossible thing, easy to say, but how terrible the load that breaks a mother’s heart (Pr. 17:25). A mother’s love is a God-given heavy burden, but He provides relief. Nowhere does Scripture say a mother must love her children, but there are imperatives for children to love their parents (Ex. 20:12). Was this because of a. Too Little Discipline? From earliest days, discipline is a requirement, yet too often neglected. Trifles are passed over, not considering to what they may lead. The rules and duties are plain and so are the blessings from their observance. b. Too Much Indulgence? Well, I had it hard, so my child will have everything I didn’t. Has there been too little restraint on their demands? Has there been too much pleasure and too little godliness, too much bile, and too little Bible? c. Too Easy Complacency? Will you use the excuse that your parents failed vou (Ez. 18:2-4)? God says that every soul is responsible for his or her own sins (Jer. 31:30). Every one shall give account of himself (Rm. 14:12; Mt. 15:4).

Thought: “There is little hope of children who are educated wickedly” (Burroughs).

Prayer: That I may seek to always honour my God-given parents.