Topical Bible: Wicked Children with Regard to Parents are a Grief to Them

Bible > Topical > Wicked Children with Regard to Parents are a Grief to Them

◄ Wicked Children with Regard to Parents are a Grief to Them ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible frequently addresses the relationship between parents and children, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's parents and the heartache caused by disobedient or wicked children. This theme is particularly evident in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where the conduct of children is directly linked to the well-being and emotional state of their parents.

Proverbs and Parental Grief

The Book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings attributed primarily to King Solomon, provides several insights into the impact of a child's behavior on their parents. Proverbs 10:1 states, "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." This verse highlights the contrasting outcomes of wisdom and folly in children, underscoring the deep emotional connection between a child's actions and a parent's joy or sorrow.

Similarly, Proverbs 17:25 declares, "A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him." This proverb reiterates the theme of parental grief, emphasizing that a child's foolishness can lead to profound emotional distress for both parents. The use of the terms "grief" and "bitterness" suggests a deep, enduring pain that affects the core of the parental relationship.

The Consequences of Disobedience

The Bible also warns of the broader consequences of disobedience and wickedness in children. Proverbs 19:26 states, "He who assaults his father and evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace." This verse not only highlights the immediate grief caused by a child's actions but also the lasting shame and dishonor that such behavior brings upon the family. The imagery of assault and eviction underscores the severity of the offense and its impact on familial bonds.

The Call to Honor Parents

In contrast to the grief caused by wicked children, the Bible consistently calls for children to honor and obey their parents. The Fifth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12 , instructs, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment underscores the importance of respect and obedience, promising blessings and longevity as a reward for honoring one's parents.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this commandment in Ephesians 6:1-3 , where he writes, "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.'" Paul's exhortation connects the act of honoring parents with divine favor and well-being, contrasting sharply with the grief caused by disobedience.

Parental Responsibility and Discipline

While the Bible acknowledges the grief caused by wicked children, it also places responsibility on parents to guide and discipline their offspring. 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." This verse emphasizes the role of parental instruction and the long-term impact of a godly upbringing.

Furthermore, Proverbs 29:15 states, "A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces his mother." This proverb highlights the necessity of discipline in imparting wisdom and preventing disgrace, suggesting that parental guidance is crucial in shaping a child's character and behavior.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on the relationship between parents and children reveal a profound understanding of the emotional and spiritual dynamics at play. Wicked children are a source of deep grief and sorrow for their parents, while obedient and wise children bring joy and honor. The Scriptures call for children to honor their parents and for parents to diligently guide and discipline their children, fostering a relationship that reflects God's design for the family.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... For he who knows how to regard them in his heart will ... families who fare well and
have many children, they owe ... other hand, it is written of the wicked, Ps.109,13 ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

Example.
... As a man regards God, so will his children regard Him. ... It is because when a father
and mother are wicked, their children grow up wicked also, and their ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lviii example.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... ministers and pious parents are usually more wicked than other ... thee." These parental
promises made to God regard themselves and their children; and their ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

A Letter of Mara, Son of Serapion.
... my son, thus wisely behave thyself in regard to these ... Moreover, the wicked rejoice,
and the righteous are disquieted. ... it is only on account of children that we ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents a letter.htm

That I May Refute More Thoroughly These Charges, I Will Show that ...
... because it is from the veins of a wicked man ... those, of whom you are convinced that
they regard with horror ... You first of all expose your children, that they may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter ix that i may.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... cares for His children, even to regard their little ... it, and those two sweet-looking
children quietly sleeping ... heart of this robber from his wicked purpose, and ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

The Crime Committed by the Inhabitants of Gibeah against the Wife ...
... it was not a city of the children of Israel ... Then the old man offered these wicked
men his daughter, a ... What great regard our forefathers had for virtue is shown ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xix the crime committed.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... well as Grief, to all that have any regard for the ... the Pomps and Vanities of this
wicked World, and ... Children, how can they expect their Children should perform ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem
... we are not called to it, we may regard it as a ... were so neglected that they were the
most wicked children in the ... Look well to your children: begin at Jerusalem. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/beginning at jerusalem.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... his own soul, without paying any regard to the ... will such monstrous profane and wicked
governors appear? ... indeed, give any countenance to children and servants ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm