Title
We Get What We Beget
Scripture
He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.
(Proverbs 17:21)
Devotional
If you are a scoffer (one who is always finding fault with others), your children will learn this trait to your sorrow. Eventually they will scoff at you. Likewise, a parent of a scoffer is a parent of a fool and in this there is no joy. Therefore, refrain from nay saying. Learn to speak words that edify, encourage and give hope. Anyone can find fault; it takes developed, godly character to be a life builder. If you find yourself constantly finding fault in your children, you just might beget a scoffer. If the theme of your conversations is always negative, you may well be creating a fool. Therefore, be an edifier; correct with patience; discipline in love and chastise without anger. “He who begets a wise child will delight in him.”(1) Parenting is work-hard work-but the fruit of a father and mother’s labor is a great reward. He who begets a secure child does so to his delight, and the father of a wise son or daughter has joy.
(1) Proverbs 23:24
Text For The Day
Proverbs 17:21: He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.
Thought For The Day
“God assumed from the beginning that the wise of the world would view Christians as fools…and he has not been disappointed…. If I have… any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.” Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
Questions To Ponder
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What carries the greater influence: heredity or environment?
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Do you see in yourself any of the traits of your parents? Which have the greater influence: the negative or the positive?
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If you have children, do you see any of your characteristics in them? Are they negative or positive?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Beget”: The cause and effect of heredity and environment.
Referencing: “Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:14-15.
Applying: Heed the instructions in love, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him,” Proverbs 22:15. You can correct now or have a correctional institution do so later.