Heartache and Hard Lessons

Day Forty-Six

Heartache and Hard Lessons (Read Proverbs 17:21-28)

Proverbs 17:21-28 offers a profound exploration of the relationship between wisdom and folly, particularly in the context of family bonds. This chapter of the Book of Proverbs emphasizes how the choices and behavior of youth can significantly impact their parents' emotional well-being. Through vivid imagery and straightforward teachings, it underscores the distress that foolish actions can bring to wise guardians, encouraging young individuals to pursue wisdom and understanding. By examining the consequences of folly on familial ties, Proverbs 17 is a powerful motivation for youth to reflect on their actions and decisions, ultimately guiding them toward a path of prudence and discernment. In a world where the pressures of modern life can lead to impulsive behaviors, the timeless wisdom of Proverbs remains relevant, reminding the younger generation of the importance of making choices that honor their families and cultivate emotional stability.

"Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." ~ Robert Fulghum

Not everyone is born into a loving home with responsible parents, and this sets the children up for a long road ahead as they attempt to mature as adults. If the parents' lives are unmanageable, it increases the chances that the children's lives will be affected, too. Children listen with their eyes and think with their feelings. If the parents demonstrate love and respect, it presents an adequate demonstration for the children to do the same. The Bible says, "Honor your mother and father." For that to become a reality, parents need to honor each other and their children and make it easy for them to do the same.

²¹ It is painful to be the parent of a fool;
    there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

²³ The wicked take secret bribes
    to pervert the course of justice.

²⁴ Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
    but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ Foolish children bring grief to their father
    and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you." ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Do you honor your mother and father? Do your children honor you? We must practice honoring our parents and elders for the future of our families and communities. I encourage you to pick up the phone and call your parents if they're still living, or some elders you consider like parents or elders in general, and share your gratitude and love for their demonstration in your life.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.