“The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1 NKJV)
Our children have the capacity to bring us great gladness or giant grief. They are a source of happiness but can also be a source of heartbreak. The determining factor according to Solomon is whether the sons are smart or stupid. By that, I don’t mean intellectual aptitude and educational achievement. There are some morons with PHD’s and some geniuses who are post hole diggers. There is certainly nothing wrong with “book learning,” and mental acuity is wonderful. Develop your mind as far as you are able for the glory of God who created you with a brain. Use your head for something other than a hat rack!
Solomon, however, is speaking of the wisdom that comes from the Word—of spiritual capacity rooted in knowing God. Remember that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Prov. 9:10). So, wisdom is not so much about our mental capacity as our moral character. What we are spiritually affects every dimension of our life—our mind, will, and emotions are directed according to the Scriptures.
As parents are we discipling our children to know the Lord? Are we helping them grow in their connection with the eternal One? Such sons and daughters will gladden us. Instead, we may focus on their classroom grades and ballfield trophies—preparing them for success in the world—but, if we fail to impart wisdom, leading them to be smart in the things of God, we will have stupid kids who will grieve us. They may know many foreign languages, speaking them fluently, but not be conversant with eternity. They may get high marks in trigonometry, but flunk theology. They may make a fortune in business, but be spiritually bankrupt and morally impoverished.
Let’s get busy on teaching them Book work—the Good Book, that is.
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