Proverbs 23:24

Proverbs 23:24 from the New King James Version (NKJV), reads: “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.”

In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse is a profound statement about the joy and satisfaction that comes from raising a child who is righteous and wise.

Righteousness and Wisdom The term “righteous” in this verse refers to someone who lives by God’s moral law, reflecting the character of God in their actions [6]. The “wise child” is one who not only has knowledge but also the discernment to apply that knowledge in a godly manner [6].

Parental Joy The verse speaks to the deep joy (“will greatly rejoice”) and delight parents experience when they see their children walking in wisdom and righteousness [6]. This joy is not based on worldly achievements, but on the spiritual maturity and godly character of the child [6].

Reformed Evangelical Perspective From a Reformed Evangelical perspective, this verse underscores the importance of nurturing faith and wisdom in children. Reformed theology emphasises the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible, and the importance of living a life that glorifies God [1] [4].

Application to Modern Christian Living In terms of application to modern Christian living, this verse encourages parents to invest in the spiritual development of their children. This could involve teaching them the Scriptures, modelling godly behaviour, and encouraging them to cultivate a personal relationship with God [1].

Moreover, it’s a reminder for all Christians, not just parents, to strive for righteousness and wisdom, as these are qualities that bring joy to our heavenly Father [1].

In conclusion, Proverbs 23:24 is a powerful verse that speaks to the value of righteousness and wisdom, the joy they bring to parents, and the importance of these qualities in the Christian life. It’s a call to pursue these qualities and to raise the next generation to do the same [6].

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 16/06/2024