Proverbs 20:11, Even A Child
December 29, Proverbs 20:11
Matt. 21:28-32 “by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Even A Child
Verses 20:10, 23 deal with crooked business practices that are an abomination to the Lord. Vs.11, however, indicates that God also has a special interest in children. Apart from Scripture, it is a lost truth that a child is known by his doings. As with Greek, Hebrew word order is important. Immediately after Even comes by his actions. This phrase is the focal point of the whole sentence!. Also the verb is reflexive and thus we have, Even by his actions he makes himself known, if his work be pure or right.
1. Present Child-Future Man: What a child does reveals its true character, and gives a clue to its future. Proverbs reminds us that adults do not always live up to their word. What we say is not necessarily what we end up doing, and so it is with children. It is what they do more than what they say that proves whether their deeds are pure or not. “Boys will be boys,” it is said, apparently to excuse their follies, but it is well to remember that, “Boys will be men,” too, and, “the child is father of the man, for, the child will tell what the man will be.” Everything a child does points to what the future will most likely be. “The boy who best learns all he can, will best succeed when he’s a man.” We quickly see that children are descendants of Adam. If a child is deceitful, quarrelsome, rebellious, how can we help trembling for its future? What a joyous hope a truth loving, obedient child affords! Solomon knew that their bad or good behavior, when they become adults, might be predicted from their childish doings. From the example of Samuel and Timothy, we could not but anticipate what their manhood would be. The early purity and right principles promised abundant and blessed fruit.
2. Present Cross-Future Crown: It is certain that we must be good if we would do good. Not even a child can say, I am pure from sins. Pure is the same word in verses 9 and 11. Every child needs the Saviour, for all are dead in sin. Parents too often are so concerned for their children’s education and future careers that they neglect their spiritual and moral needs now. It is often left for the child to decide whether he wants to believe in God or not, or of his need of salvation. A lady once told her bishop that she would not give religious instruction to her children until they had reached the years of discretion. That shrewd prelate replied, “Madam, if you do not teach them, the devil will!” Now, where the Holy Spirit has made a dead soul a living soul, what fruit it will produce (Gal. 5:22)! There will be love for God, obedience to parents, as well as respect for the Heavenly Father. There will be a love of truth and purity. Such a life will show the reality, not the pretence of belonging to Him, by loving His Book, His House, His Day, and His People.
The Twig is Bent, the Tree inclined-
And so their Heart, and Soul and Mind.
Thought: Never despair, and never forget that we serve “the God of Hope”!
Prayer: “Help us our homes to make, Thy Holy Spirit’s dwelling place.”