“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.”

Proverbs 23:24-25

This proverb points to the multi-directional relationship of a parent and child. Often we think only in terms of what parents provide for their children, including, among other things, food and shelter and guidance for life. In fact, the scriptures make much of this obligation.

Here, though, the scriptures implore the children to make their parents glad … by being righteous and wise. The best gift children can give to their parents is not a good report card, a prestigious college degree on scholarship, or even grandchildren. All those would make most parents rejoice, but growing in wisdom and righteousness is more important and valuable.

This isn’t only about children, though. As parents, we have a tremendous obligation to influence our children in this direction.

Whether you are a child or a parent, how are you doing in this regard? Are you giving your parents joy by growing in righteousness and wisdom? As a parent, are you guiding your children toward righteousness and wisdom?

“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.

When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”

Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV

The warning here is not to avoid wealth. Neither is it to not work hard. The warning is to not make wealth our goal in life; gaining wisdom should be our life goal.

There are at least two reasons for this priority:

1. Wisdom is greater than wealth. (Proverbs 8:11, 22:1)
2. Wealth is fleeting. (Proverbs 23:5)

Remember: A fool with great wealth, is still a fool.