The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. — Proverbs 23:24
Some people have attributed to Mark Twain the statement, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in 7 years.”
The attitude of children toward their parents changes as they grow older. Some young people show little respect for their fathers and mothers. It’s disheartening to see this. But as they mature, many begin to recognize that Mom and Dad knew a lot more than they gave them credit for.
On the other hand, some young people come to realize with deep regret that if they had followed the counsel of their parents they could have avoided much heartache both for themselves and their family. The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The book of Proverbs counsels, “Listen to your father who begot you . . . . The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him” (23:22,24).
Remember — wise children make happy fathers! — Richard De Haan
Above all else that you can do
To make your father proud of you,
Be diligent, be kind, be wise -
Such traits are priceless in his eyes. — Fasick
READ: Proverbs 23:15-24
Your parents brought you up; don’t let them down. * Acts 3
The Bible in one year:
• Psalms 70-72