What actions demonstrate wisdom and righteousness in Proverbs 23:25's context? Setting the Scene “May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice.” (Proverbs 23:25) The surrounding verses (Proverbs 23:15-24) paint a picture of children whose choices bring delight to godly parents. Scripture spotlights specific behaviors that prove a heart of wisdom and righteousness. Wise and Righteous Conduct Highlighted in Proverbs 23 • Guarding the heart: “My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice.” (v. 15) • Speaking uprightly: “My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.” (v. 16) • Rejecting envy of sinners and cultivating reverent trust: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.” (v. 17) • Living with hopeful perseverance: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” (v. 18) • Listening to wise counsel: “Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right path.” (v. 19) • Avoiding excessive eating and drinking: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.” (v. 20) • Exercising self-discipline that prevents poverty and drowsiness: “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.” (v. 21) • Honoring parents through obedience: “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” (v. 22) • Valuing truth above all: “Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” (v. 23) • Pursuing righteousness that thrills a parent’s heart: “The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.” (v. 24) Key Actions that Bring Joy to Parents 1. Internal devotion to God—fearing the LORD daily. 2. Consistent truth-seeking—studying, embracing, and never discarding sound doctrine. 3. Verbal integrity—speaking what is right, clean, and constructive. 4. Moral separation—refusing the companionship of excess and sin. 5. Teachable humility—welcoming correction and guidance. 6. Tangible honor—caring for parents with respect and practical help in their later years. 7. Financial and physical self-control—avoiding debt-inducing indulgence. Why These Actions Matter • They fulfill the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) and echo Paul’s exhortation: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) • They showcase genuine faith: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) • They protect from ruin: “The wages of the righteous lead to life.” (Proverbs 10:16) Living It Out Today • Set daily time to “buy truth” through Scripture reading and sound teaching. • Make deliberate choices about friends, media, and habits that foster reverent fear of the Lord. • Serve and communicate with parents regularly, demonstrating honor in word and deed. • Practice moderation—plan meals, limit alcohol, steward finances. • Keep short accounts with God and people; quick repentance guards the heart’s wisdom. Such actions, flowing from a heart surrendered to Christ, display the wisdom and righteousness that make godly parents rejoice and glorify the Lord. |
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