Today I read Proverbs 17, which talks about children, being quiet, the reward of the wicked, and friends. Today I considered the positive and negative side of children, giving to those outside of your blood relatives, the value of peace and quiet, evil receiving what they give out, and loyalty within friendship.
Children
Children can cause joy or despair, but sometimes there are others parents can depend on. Wise children can bring glory to the lives of their parents and grandparents. A foolish child causes his or her parents to experience grief, bitterness, shame, and sorrow. When a child is foolish, parents can appoint a wise worker over him or her and should give that worker part of the inheritance of the children. We should sometimes consider more than our blood relatives when creating an inheritance or a will. We should consider others that we can rely upon.
Peace and Quiet
Being quiet and having peace are valuable. When you are knowledgeable you do not have to say a lot. Even fools being quiet can be considered wise and people of understanding. People appreciate the peace from quiet places and are willing to sometimes eat food that is not as good elsewhere than deal with conflict. We should remember that peace and quiet are precious to have in our lives.
Reward of the Wicked
Those that are wicked shall be rewarded by their thoughts, words, and actions. Wicked people with an evil heart and are glad when others fall will have nothing good and will be punished. People with an evil tongue will have trouble. People that are evil to the people good to them or only want an uprising will always have evil in their house and face cruel messengers. We should remember that evil thoughts and actions bring about evil results.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Reading Proverbs 17:17 made me think about friendships and the ones that we continue to have. Those are the people who have continued to be loving and loyal friends over time.
“A friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 KJV
“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Proverbs 17:17 NLT
I must admit that Proverbs 17:2 surprised me. So many people place so much emphasis on giving to their children but the Bible says wise workers that take care of a person’s child should also get a portion of the inheritance. “A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.” Proverbs17:2 KJV