Grief Counseling

(Proverbs 17:25 KJV)  A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Proverbs has a lot to say about the “foolish” (3684).  This is the standard word for “fool” in Proverbs. 

It is bad enough when we see it in the world around us, even worse when we see it in our family.  The ultimate despair is when we see it in our children.  When they are born we have such joy and hopes.  Be warned.  There are no guarantees.  Honorable and wise children don’t just happen.  Even when you do everything right they sometimes go bad.  Children can provide “grief” (3708a)  as well as joy. 

The decisions they make are on their heads.  The training and example you give are on yours. 

So?  Give it your best when they are young.  There will come a day when your influence wains.  Continue to pray and demonstrate righteousness when you can’t speak.  If you have no children, pray for the offspring of others.