Proverbs 27:11

A text from my son, Paul, this morning: can you give a father’s perspective on prov 27:11

Paul, my reply:
Proverbs 27:11
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad
that I might answer him who reproaches me.

Living wisely, especially in the context of Proverbs, has to do with diligence, self-control, productive speech, fairness in business dealings, patiently increasing in wealth…all this and more with a special emphasis on being adept at taking advice and handling criticism.  And underneath all these habits-in-the-right-order is the Habit of Taking God Seriously.  The Fear.

In our proverb, the father exhorts his son to be wise in just these ways, so that he – the father – is glad.  Nothing puts a spring in the step like the satisfaction of watching grown-up offspring skillfully making their way through life.  The obverse also holds (Proverbs 10b ETC).

Moreover, his son’s wisdom will be THE parry against those who would attempt a final blow against the father’s reputation: What has your life added up to?… You’re a fraud… God (or the gods) are against you.

But all these broadsides against a man’s character hit a brick wall and fall to the ground when that man has reared a wise son. Children are the tell.  Children are the tell.  Children are the tell.  A wealthy scoundrel, a religious scoundrel, a hustling scoundrel, a beautiful scoundrel – these are figures easily imagined and you can think of plenty of stories that bring such characters to life.  Much more difficult to imagine (though not unheard of), however, is the wise son of a foolish father. By their fruits you shall know them.

This proverb is another example of the Spirit training us to see adult children, perhaps especially sons, as practical assets (Psalm 127:3-5).  Just as much as fathers carve a way through life for their sons, so also do sons for their fathers.  When you are diligent to train children (yes, including by applying the board of education to their seat of learning!) you are preparing your own comfortable future.

As for me, I can only echo mom’s text to you kids yesterday: Love you all.  You all inspire me in so many ways. And Paul, I’ll conclude by saying that I’m looking to you for my sponge baths when I’m old and infirm.

Love, Dad