The Wise Son

I always need to remind people that the greatest legacy you can leave in life is godly children (either biological or spiritual). In a world dominated by people trying to get their names on buildings, in lights, or listed in positions of power we need to remember how quickly the building can fall, the lights can go out and the position can be replaced. 

Proverbs is a book written for children by parents who want their descendants to walk wisely in their generation for their lives are the only thing that will truly outlive those parents. So we come to Proverbs 10 with that in mind. And a series of seemingly disconnected wise sayings come together. 

Proverbs 10:1 (ESV) The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

What makes for a wise son? The rest of the chapter unfolds it. 

First, there is Godly industry:
Proverbs 10:2–5 (ESV) Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. 4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

Avoiding the temptation to increase through wickedness is essential. Our character in the sight of God is of the uttermost importance as He will watch over us, protecting us from poverty.
Proverbs 10:16 (ESV) The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.

While at the same time, our lives must stay busy with the work God gives and we must resist the idea that increase comes quickly or without proper planning.

Consider the importance of teaching your children about the value of hard and good moral work. To know that yes, God will provide, but He provides through the means of their hard work and planning.

Second, there is the quiet search for understanding:
Proverbs 10:6–8 (ESV) Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

So says verse 19:
Proverbs 10:19 (ESV) When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Seeking to learn and not always be the one speaking makes for growth and long life. For the moment we stop learning, we stop growing. 

The gain of acquiring wisdom is listed throughout the rest of the chapter in contrast to the disastrous life of the wicked. 

The wise son remembers that God's blessing is the most important thing in life. To know Him and walk with Him brings true prosperity without the pain of worldly treasure. 
Proverbs 10:22 (ESV) The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

The wise son knows that honor for God is the path to long life.
Proverbs 10:27 (ESV) The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.

Two verses later the verdict is in:
Proverbs 10:29–30 (ESV) The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers. 30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.

A strong and long life comes from God - seeking His truth and doing His work. The world tempts us with trifle things that entertain, God guides is in wisdom that sustains our families for generations. 


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