The Joy of Reproach

(Proverbs 27:11 KJV)  My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

This seems to be a strange combination.  The son is being “wise” (2449), yet someone reproaches” (2778a) me.  I guess this points out that we can be encouraged by how our children turn out.

If we have raised our children right they are not going to conform to the dominant culture.  If we have been raised right, the same.  If the Holy Spirit is active in our lives we are going to be controversial because of our obedience.  Remember what Jesus said about this in the Sermon on the Mount?

(Matthew 5:10-11 KJV)  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

What a joy it is when someone comes to complain because my son has been too honest in a business deal.  How honored I am when someone gripes that my daughter would not lie for them in a dispute.  We drive old cars which means we buy and sell.  Almost every time we do a transaction we are asked to put down a false amount on the paperwork.  It gives us a chance to do a little witnessing and I hope makes the Father’s “heart” (3820) “glad” (8055).

Just because the world criticizes you, you do not need to hang your head. 

So?  Be wise.  Live on a different level.  Stand out.  Bring joy to your heavenly Father.