Proverbs 15:20, Sons – Wise or Wicked?

September 26, Proverbs 15:20

Eccl. 12:1; 2 Tim. 1:4-7 “Will you be a comfort to your parents in their declining years?”

Sons – Wise or Wicked?

There is similarity in line one of 10:1 and today’s verse (15:20), but note the difference in the second part, but a foolish man despises his mother. Bringing gladness and despising are not strictly opposites as in 10:1 where gladness and grief (heaviness) are contrasted. In 15:20 the mother’s grief lies beneath the surface. Instead, we are told of a callous son who stoops to despising his mother. An old saying has it; “Children are certain cares, but uncertain comforts.” The message of our verse, however, is quite clear. Wise sons (children) bring joy to both parents, but foolish children end despising both father and mother.

1. Our Brightest Stars: Wise sons are godly sons. They bring their parents joy. They are the source of the greatest human comfort in their parents declining years. Parents are justly proud of the successes of their children, and rejoice when they do well. Yet, a Christian father or mother can have no rest till a wise son makes them truly glad. The bottom line for Christian parents should not be superior talents or outstanding achievements or material success in this world. These, at best, are only temporary. Rather, the brightest joy comes with the beginning of wisdom that leads to the fear of the Lord. Would you rather have your sons or daughters to “be stars on Broadway” or “stars on God’s Way”? May the brightest and best of stars be yours and mine on that great Day when the Lord comes to make up all His precious jewels.

“Like the stars of the morning,
His bright crown adorning,
They shall shine in their beauty,
Bright gems for His crown.”

2. Our Bitterest Sorrows: Wicked sons are fools. They bring shame to those who love them best in this world. They show contempt for their parents. They set no value on parental reverence or authority. They are wiser and know more than the “old fogies”! How meanly they repay all the kindness shown them! Our Proverb speaks especially of the mother’s ill treatment. This may be because she feels her sorrows over her wayward children most. To her, their sins are more terrible, her sorrow, more deep! Yet, a mother’s tender care, and yearning love, are only a faint reflection of the Heart of God. Mothers have most often been the spiritual leaders in the home, for a mother’s mission lies supremely there. John Wesley said, “I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians of England.” The old Baptist preacher, Vance Havner, reminds parents of their sacred trust. “No man or woman,” he said, “ever had a nobler challenge or higher privilege than to bring up a child for God.” What grace and wisdom is needed to fulfill this duty.

Thought: Sons, Daughters, make your poor parents rich.

Prayer: Lord, keep me from too much indulgence or too little respect.