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Proverbs 27:11

Children can ruin a great man! When a man takes a strong stand for truth, wisdom, and righteousness, his children can make him or break him. They can break him in spirit, by crushing his heart (17:21,25; 19:13; I Sam 2:27-36). They can break his reputation, by giving an occasion for his enemies to condemn him (I Sam 2:12-17,22-25; 8:3-5). Or they can gladden his heart and give him confident credibility to silence his detractors! Amen!

Children are a wonderful blessing from God (5:15-18; Ps 127:3; 128:3-4). They are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, in that they can assist their father and leverage his character and wisdom by multiplying his influence in the world (Ps 127:4). When a man has a quiver full of them - a large family - he can be bold toward his enemies (Ps 128:5).

But this only works when children are wise and righteous. When children are foolish and wicked, they give their father no advantage at all. They are a blot on his character and reputation, for either he did not train them, he was an evil example, or God has forsaken him. It is only noble and prudent grandchildren that are a crown to old men (17:6).

This matter of obedient children for the reputation of their fathers is so important that God requires his two church officers - bishops and deacons - to have faithful and obedient children (I Tim 3:4-5,12; Titus 1:6). A man with unruly children that he cannot control indicates that he would never be able to take care of a church of Jesus Christ.

Solomon was such a son to David. Hiram, King of Tyre, had always loved David very much; but he rejoiced and thanked God on David's behalf, when he became acquainted with Solomon (I Kgs 5:1-7). And this was after David's death! Though his enemies might have reproached David for his others sons, they had to stand in awe of Solomon!

But Eli's sons broke his heart, brought God's judgment, and caused Israel to hate his family and God's worship (I Sam 2:12-17,22-25)! And Samuel, who should have learned from this terrible calamity, had wicked sons as well that ruined his rule over Israel (I Sam 8:3-5). And Simeon and Levi caused their father Jacob's reputation to stink among the Canaanites (Gen 34:30). Foolish sons can break a father's heart and ruin his reputation.

If children can make a man glad and great, even in the sight of his enemies, then training them should be of the utmost importance. No wonder Abraham took it seriously (Gen 18:19)! No wonder Joshua took it seriously (Josh 24:15)! No wonder it is a command throughout the Bible (22:6; Deut 4:9-10; 6:4-7; 11:18-19; Ps 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3; Eph 6:4)!

Fathers! Do not neglect this duty! If you are slothful in this matter, you are not only ruining your children, but you are also bringing much future pain into your life, much grief into your wife's life, and ruining your personal and family reputation (17:21,25; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15,17)! What should you do today to sharpen your arrows?

Children! Do you understand your duty to honor your parents? God has commanded it, but you can also bring joy to their hearts by being wise and righteous; and you can silence their critics by your noble and virtuous character and conduct. Do not neglect this opportunity, for such things have a way of coming back to punish you (1:31; Gal 6:7)!

The Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of His Father, answered forever the reproaches of God's enemies. The Son of the woman obeyed perfectly and died obediently, triumphing over the devil in an open show (Rom 8:32-34; Col 2:13-15; Rev 12:7-11). The Father announced His great pleasure and promoted Him over all (Eph 1:20-23; Phil 2:9-11).

Reader! If you claim to be a son of the living God, what is your conduct doing to Him and for Him? Are you gladdening His heart by your wise and sober life? Are you adorning His doctrine and silencing the enemies of the gospel by your virtuous conduct and speech? You have a glorious privilege and awful duty. Fulfill it cheerfully today!

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