Now That’s a Problem

(Pro 19:13 KJV)  A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

This verse makes me wonder how often we say, “Why me, Lord?”  Do you know anyone who has children that have lost their anchor and a spouse that was a mistake?  One of the questions people ask has to do with fault.  Was it my fault?  On both cases you might say, “Yes,” you might say, “No”.  It is one of those things that could go both ways and you may never know the answer to the problem.

I would say that the son has more of a chance to be the father’s fault.  While he was born a free agent and will make his own decisions, as a father you have a lot of molding to do.  You also have an example.  Still, at the end of the day he has free will and will exercise it.

The spouse, wife in this example, is a little more complex.  When courting people put forth their best foot.  Think of it as social make up.  If you have ever seen a celebrity without their make-up it can be quite a shock.  People are good at putting their best foot forward.  God promises us the grace to deal with the people in our lives.

So?  I don’t see any blame in this verse.  I do see an awareness of the problems of life.  Follow the standard advice.  Let the past go after you learn from it and begin to build a life of faith and joy.  God will join you on the journey.