Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of children bringing joy and gladness to their parents is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of familial relationships and the blessings of a harmonious household. The Scriptures provide guidance on the virtues and behaviors that characterize good children, highlighting the positive impact they have on their parents and the family unit as a whole.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible underscores the joy that good children bring to their parents in several passages.
Proverbs 23:24-25 states, "The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!" This passage highlights the deep satisfaction and happiness that parents experience when their children live righteously and wisely.
Similarly,
Proverbs 10:1 declares, "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." This verse contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly, illustrating how a child's choices can either uplift or burden their parents.
Attributes of Good ChildrenGood children are often characterized by their obedience, respect, and wisdom.
Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Obedience and honor are foundational to the parent-child relationship, and they are seen as pleasing to God.
Wisdom is another key attribute.
Proverbs 15:20 notes, "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother." Wisdom, in this context, involves making choices that align with God's will and reflect moral integrity.
Impact on ParentsThe joy that good children bring to their parents is profound and multifaceted. It encompasses emotional satisfaction, spiritual encouragement, and social honor. Parents find comfort and pride in knowing that their children are walking in truth and righteousness. This joy is not merely a personal feeling but is often seen as a reflection of God's blessing on the family.
The Bible also acknowledges the heartache that can result from wayward children.
Proverbs 17:25 states, "A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him." This contrast serves as a reminder of the significant influence children have on their parents' emotional and spiritual well-being.
Role of ParentsWhile the focus is on the children, the role of parents in nurturing and guiding their children cannot be overlooked.
Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Parents are called to instruct and model godly behavior, creating an environment where children can grow in wisdom and righteousness.
ConclusionThe Bible presents a clear picture of the joy and gladness that good children bring to their parents. Through obedience, wisdom, and righteousness, children not only honor their parents but also fulfill a divine purpose, contributing to the strength and harmony of the family as ordained by God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 10:1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Torrey's Topical TextbookProverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... they wish to serve God with truly good works, that ... distressing, and difficult works
and make their boast, we ... in their houses; thus the children could captivate ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm
He Spake to them of the Father
... hearts and minds." The children of a good, human father ... in their father's care; but
the children of the ... They make their requests known to Him perhaps, but that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm
Sponsorship
... listen to his lies; look up to your good Father in ... It is God's will that these children
should be confirmed ... also; and trust to God's Spirit to make them kindly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon v sponsorship.htm
Fifth Commandment
... That was a good many years ago ... I would rather die a hundred deaths than have my children
grow up to ... Do all you can to make their declining years sweet and happy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm
"But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba ...
... wish well to them, and leave them a good example for ... is the impression he putteth
on his children, he putteth ... of the inheritance, and withal, to make them fit ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxviii but ye have.htm
The Fifth Commandment
... forsook his servant when he was sick; but be as the good centurion, who ... All these
are powerful arguments to make children honour and obey their parents. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm
The Domestic Relation.
... sometimes whip him, but it does not do him any good. ... It is natural for children to
love their parents, and if ... ones in love and kindness they can make home the ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm
God the Joy-Bringer
... just as the gifts of parents to their children do, with ... written upon everything that
contributes to make us blessed. ... the enemies of all that is good and noble ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/god the joy-bringer.htm
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Everything that falls out shall do them good. ... 49:4). What is the reason parents
disinherit their children? Surely this, because they can make them no better. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
The Fruits of the Spirit.
... the yearning has awoke in them to make others better ... else will have become fashionable;
and our children will look back on our ways of doing good with pity ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon vi the fruits of.htm
Resources
Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indigo children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about raising children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus