Proverbs 23:24-25 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. 

Twenty-three characteristics of a wise son – the book of Proverbs paints a beautiful portrait of a truly wise child: [1] He hears and obeys his parents (1:5; 23:24). A wise son remains teachable and values the instruction of those who lovingly guide him.[2] He continually increases in knowledge (1:5; 12:15). Wisdom never stops learning. The wise recognise there is always more to understand. [3] He learns from the examples of others (6:6). Rather than repeating others’ mistakes, he observes, learns, and applies the lessons. [4] He accepts correction (9:8; 15:31). Reproof is viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than an insult. [5] He continually grows in wisdom (9:9). True wisdom is never stagnant. It develops through a lifetime of learning and obedience. [6] He is diligent in his work (10:5). He understands that faithful labour honours God and provides for others. [7] He gladly receives God’s commandments (10:8). He submits to God’s authority rather than resisting it. [8] He stores up knowledge (10:14). He treasures truth, remembering and applying it when needed. [9] He controls his speech (10:19; 17:28). He knows when to speak and when to remain silent, recognising that words have the power to heal or harm. [10] He leads wisely (11:29). Whether in the home, workplace, or community, he exercises leadership with humility and good judgment. [11] He seeks to win souls (11:30). His righteous life influences others toward God, and he desires to lead people into the way of life. [12] He chooses wise companions (13:20). Recognising that friendships shape character, he surrounds himself with those who encourage wisdom. [13] He builds for the future (14:1). He plans carefully and invests in what is lasting rather than living only for the present. [14] He departs from evil (14:16). Instead of flirting with temptation, he avoids it and chooses the path of righteousness.

To be continued…

Proverbs 23:24-25 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. 

Earlier in Proverbs, we read: “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (10:1). Wisdom blesses not only the individual but also everyone connected with him.

‘Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.’ This verse broadens the promise to include both parents. Fathers and mothers invest years of love, sacrifice, instruction, discipline, and prayer into their children. Nothing repays those efforts more than seeing their children choose the path of righteousness.

The phrase “she that bare thee” reminds children never to forget the love, suffering, and sacrifice of their mother. Her joy is not found primarily in her child’s accomplishments but in his godly character. Parents cannot control every decision their children make, but they have the privilege and responsibility of bringing joy to those who raised them through lives marked by wisdom and obedience.

Throughout Proverbs, Scripture repeatedly contrasts two kinds of children: [1] The wise child brings joy, receives instruction, walks in righteousness, honours parents, fears the Lord, and lives wisely. [2] The foolish child rejects correction, pursues sinful pleasures, dishonours parents, brings sorrow, lives carelessly, and suffers unnecessary consequences. Every son and daughter ultimately chooses which source they will become – joy or grief.

To be continued…

Proverbs 23:24-25 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. 

After exhorting sons to pursue truth and wisdom (vv. 22-23), Scripture now reveals one of the greatest rewards of a godly life, the joy it brings to faithful parents. A righteous and wise child is a source of lasting gladness, not only to his (or her) family but also to God. The emphasis is not on worldly success, wealth, or fame, but on righteousness and wisdom. A child who walks with God brings greater joy than one who merely achieves earthly prosperity.

‘The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice.’ A righteous child seeks to live according to God’s will. His life reflects integrity, obedience, and reverence for the Lord. Such a child becomes a continual blessing because his conduct brings honour to the family, his decisions reflect godly character, his life demonstrates the fruit of wise instruction, and he becomes an encouragement to others.

Parents experience one of life’s deepest joys when they see their children walking faithfully with God.

Wisdom is more than intelligence or education. It is the practical application of God’s truth in everyday life. A wise child receives correction, fears the Lord, exercises self-control, speaks wisely, treats others with kindness, and seeks to honour God in every area of life. Such a life becomes a continual source of joy rather than grief.

To be continued…