The father of a just person will exult greatly; whoever begets a wise son will rejoice in him. Proverbs 23:24 NABRE
This is a proverb in the Hebrew book of Proverbs, but many believe it may have come from outside the Hebrew community. This verse and those following appear to be from an Assyrian, Ajicar who may have been Ahiqar a sage who gave counsel to Sennacherib, Emperor of Assyria (704-681 BCE) who invaded and destroyed Judah, the Northern Hebrew Kingdom. My point is much of Proverbs is attributed to Solomon, the wise King, but there are also sections that are wise and prudent sayings that may have existed for some time in the ancient world, and traveled from culture to culture. At some point when these sayings were being captured for this book of Proverbs, even these sayings from other places were added to fill out the wisdom known at the time.
This particular proverb is a rather standard proverb on family. The family name and reputation was important in ancient culture, it was usually the family name that carried worth and would be depended upon for generations. This proverb speaks about a father rejoicing with great joy for a child (usually a first born son) who is just or righteous. This characteristic of righteousness is even more important than wealth. It will mean much pride for a father. The proverb goes on to commend parents whose son is wise, not book smart but able to acquire knowledge to determine the best decision. These parents too will rejoice over the wisdom of their son more than any monetary wealth. Righteousness and wisdom are two traits that are recognized in God. So to have a child who is like God is a source of great pride for a family. We can imagine proud parents bragging about their just and wise child. No different from today, I suppose.
What makes you proud? Do you seek God-like traits?
Righteousness and wisdom are two traits that are recognized in God. So to have a child who is like God is a source of great pride for a family. We can imagine proud parents bragging about their just and wise child. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #just #wise #Proverbs #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways