The Gladness of a Family Legacy

Chapter 10 begins a new section of the Book of Proverbs titled The Proverbs of Solomon. This does not mean that those in the first section are not proverbs, but rather that the form in which the proverbs are presented has changed. The first nine chapters set forth in continuous discourse the nature and value of wisdom. Beginning with chapter 10 and proceeding through most of the rest of the book this wisdom is presented as short pithy statements that we more commonly call proverbs.

It is significant that the first verse of this section continues a theme emphasized throughout the first section – the relationship of parents to children. This relationship is critical in developing a Family Legacy and the main objective is not lands and houses, money and possessions, but wisdom. We read this as the whole purpose of this book in Proverbs 1:2.

“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;”

And the parents play an important role in fulfilling this purpose according to Proverbs 1:8.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”

What is this instruction? One part of it is training per Proverbs 22:6.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Another part of it is reproof or correction even to the point of corporal punishment, if necessary, as Proverbs 29:15 tells us.

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”

We are told many times in the Proverbs that when this wisdom is achieved it brings not shame, but gladness and rejoicing.

“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” (Proverbs15:20)

“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.” (Proverbs 23:15-16)

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” (Proverbs 23:24-25)

A person can fail in many ways in his life but if he achieves and sees wisdom in his children, it removes his reproach.

“My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.” (Proverbs 27:11)

But while we nurture and we admonish our children we must understand that it is the Lord’s nurture and admonition that gives our children wisdom and not our own.

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

This means that we have achieved success when they seek for themselves to please God and to obey His word. This is what establishes a godly legacy that can be carried into the future and makes Psalm 77:3 true.

“ Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”