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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 140

STUDY 140

Text: Proverbs 15
29 February 2004

Dear Parents,

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
It is vital that we carefully guard and nurture parent-child relationships. They are far more important than we realize. Let us take time to ponder the following text.

A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish son despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:20

UNDERSTANDING PROVERBIAL LANGUAGE
At first glance, it appears as if we can separate parents into “father” and “mother”. Both appear to be addressed separately.

In fact, the way to understand this proverb is to appreciate that when the word “father” is mentioned, the word “mother” is also in view. Instead of using the straightforward word “parents” there is a literary attempt to mean parents when one person is meant to cover the pair.

“A wise son makes a father glad”
Of course, the mother would also be glad too! That is obvious! The mention of the father is not without significance. Perhaps it is easier to make the mother feel glad. Mothers tend to be more easily pleased than fathers.

However, if a son (generic noun that includes “daughter”) is truly wise, then he would be able to impress his father so much that he brings a great sense of gladness to the heart.

“A foolish son despises his mother”
An obvious contrast is attempted in this text! The foolish son may think that he can get away with despising his mother. He has made a huge mistake here. When he despises his mother, he is also guilty of despising his father!

REASONS WHY MOTHERS ARE DESPISED
What are some possible reasons why mothers were more easily despised than fathers? The following may be highlighted!

1. The ancient days were more patriarchal than matriarchal in society.

2. Womenfolk did not get the chance to be educated much.

3. Many women were homemakers.

4. The men were the ones who went out to work so that they may support the family.

These reasons caused some to despise mothers. This is severely warned against!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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