“The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.” Proverbs 28:7
Devotional Thought For The Day
The concern of this proverb is twofold, first, that all individuals might have understanding and live consonant with wisdom, second, that godly parents not be shamed by the behavior of their children. The first is positive and of greater weight, the second warns of the negative impact that irresponsible and immoral behavior brings upon parents [and others who have relationship with this person – brothers, sisters, children, extended family, friends, and church].
“The one who keeps the law” is a rather comprehensive and wide-ranging statement. The Hebrew word translated “law” is “torah,” and it includes not just instruction in regard to moral and immoral behavior, but the whole of the written Word of God, the Scripture. Most important among the teachings and wisdom of the “torah” is the need for integrity, which means repentance and confession. Right along with this teaching comes the promises of God regarding His clemency, gracious mercy, forgiveness and love – His salvation provided for us in Jesus Christ. Obviously, the greatest fool is the one who thinks that he can fool God into believing that he has only slight and minimal sin and little or no need for God’s gracious forgiveness. Such a one thinks that he is doing well at keeping the law, but as Jesus observes, because he thinks that he is forgiven little he loves little [Luke 7:47], and only love is the fulfilling of the law [Rom. 13:10]. So, first and foremost the proverb is about repentance and faith – which direct and compel us not to gluttony and intemperance, but rather to regard for the needs of others and generosity, in keeping with the nature of love.
Such a person does not shame parents even when he makes mistakes – “to err is human.” He immediately repents and confesses his missteps and takes refuge in God’s gracious mercy and love. And living in the experience of God’s steadfast and eternal love, he is not so busy with his gluttony – including devotion to acquiring wealth and the disposition of such wealth in luxuriant catering to his selfish desires – that he does not pay proper deference and respect to serving the needs of his parents. There are many parents who have brought their children up with every advantage they could sacrifice to provide, but who rarely if ever see their children once they are adult and on their own. This too is a shame to parents – when their children have no time for them because they are constantly pleasing themselves. The one who lives in genuine repentance and the assurance of God’s love has compassion for others and respect, and exercises mercy toward them, especially in regard to his parents. This is great wisdom and understanding!
Of course, the proverb assumes an audience that is engaged in repentance and faith, people who are spiritually alive through faith in Jesus Christ. Among unbelievers, those who have always been companions of gluttons, there may be joy in the shame of their children joining them in gluttony. Such is the darkness and blindness of unbelief. They view such conformity and imitation as affirmation of their own lifestyle – and foolishly they do not consider the ultimate personal cost of this, which is often utter aloneness and being at the mercy of strangers in the weakness of advanced aging and impending death. And the worst part of that aloneness is being bereft of the gracious presence and friendship of God – which they have rejected and thrust from themselves in unbelief. The rich love and fellowship of a Christian family stands in stark contrast to this darkness, including the loving support of our family in Christ, the church. Such is the blessedness of understanding, and having children who understand, Christian children, and why we pray this blessing for our children – for their own sake, and for the sake of their parents.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, even in suffering and with death near, You made provision for Your mother. Your atonement brings us redemption – the forgiveness of our sins; and it is Your great love that transforms us, fueling and compelling our love for others. Preserve us from the darkness of our sin which encourages selfishness and gluttony and has no care or concern for others. Keep us from bringing shame to You and our Heavenly Father. Grant that we conform to You and imitate Your great love for others. Amen.