Proverbs 23:25

Proverbs 23:25 delivers a heartfelt promise of joy to parents whose children walk in wisdom and righteousness. This verse emphasizes the profound emotional reward that comes from raising children who embrace biblical principles and live uprightly.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Proverbs 23, where the "father" (a common pedagogical figure in Proverbs) imparts instruction and warns against various pitfalls like gluttony, drunkenness, and associating with the foolish. The preceding verses, particularly Proverbs 23:24, explicitly state, "The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him." Proverbs 23:25 extends this sentiment to both parents, highlighting the shared delight of a father and mother when their offspring choose the path of wisdom and integrity. It reinforces the importance of heeding parental instruction and embracing discipline.

Key Themes

• Parental Joy and Fulfillment: The verse beautifully captures the deep gladness and satisfaction that parents experience when their children live wisely. It's a joy born not of material success, but of character and moral uprightness, reflecting the parental heart's deepest desires for their offspring.
• The Fruit of Righteous Living: The gladness of the parents is a direct consequence of the child's righteous choices. A child's commitment to wisdom and discipline brings honor and joy to the home, contrasting sharply with the sorrow a foolish child can cause.
• Intergenerational Impact: This proverb underscores how an individual's life choices have ripple effects, profoundly impacting their family, particularly their parents. It speaks to the reciprocal nature of family relationships where a child's virtue becomes a source of immense happiness for those who raised them.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two distinct Hebrew words for joy in this verse: "glad" (שָׂמַח, samach) and "rejoice" (גִּיל, gil). While both convey happiness, samach often refers to a general sense of joy or pleasure, whereas gil can imply a more exuberant, even dancing or shouting, form of joy. The use of both words here emphasizes the depth and intensity of the parents' delight – not just quiet contentment, but a profound, overflowing gladness at seeing their child walk in wisdom and live a life that honors God and family.

Practical Application

Proverbs 23:25 serves as both an encouragement and a reminder for families today:

• For Children/Young Adults: It calls for a life of wisdom, righteousness, and respect, understanding that such a path brings not only personal blessing but also immense joy to one's parents. It encourages individuals to consider the profound impact of their choices on their family and to strive for a life that honors those who nurtured them.
• For Parents: It highlights the profound reward of diligent parenting and teaching. While the ultimate outcome rests on the child's choices, the verse affirms the deep satisfaction of seeing children embrace the values instilled in them. It can serve as motivation for parents to continue to "train up a child in the way he should go".
• For All: The verse reminds us that true joy often comes from seeing others flourish, especially those we love deeply. It underscores the value of living a life that honors God and brings joy to those who have invested in us. This idea is echoed in other proverbs, such as Proverbs 10:1, which states, "A wise son maketh a glad father."