Proverbs 10: 1 – 12
“Wise son, glad father; stupid son, sad mother.”(The Message, 1) While son is used here, I do read me, a daughter, there too. Parents certainly want not only the best for their children but also from them. When a child succeeds, we are filled with pride and joy; when a child screws up, we suffer too – both because we hate to see them suffer the natural consequences of bad choices, but also because we know that they know better!
I guess that is how God feels about us too. He wants us to be wise, to obey His commands, to choose life. I am reminded of Moses’ charge to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the promised land. He teaches them again the laws of God, the ways to live with each other that God intends, and concludes by saying, “I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20)
The rest of this passage gives other contrasts between good, wise behavior and wrong, stupid behavior: hard work vs laziness, honesty vs shiftiness, hatred vs love.
I do know better. I was blessed with parents who taught me good things, and with knowing that God loves me. It is up to me to choose: life or death, blessing or curse. Yes, I will fail sometimes, but then I can count on God, as heavenly father (parent), to forgive me and restore me. I chose to chose Life. With God’s help.
Blessings
Ann Kelland
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