"A Wise Son Maketh A Glad Father" (Proverbs 10. 1)

This is true, not only of earthly parents but also of our heavenly Father. His heart is made glad as He looks down from heaven and sees His children walking in wisdom's ways. How great must have been His joy when the Lord Jesus trod this earth. Every step He took was in the way of His Father's commandments, and thus it was that to Him came the approving voice from heaven,-" Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased " (Mark 1.11). We, who once were "children of wrath" and "sons of disobedience," but through faith in the Lord Jesus have become children of God, should surely now, in love to Him who died for us, seek to be obedient to His commandments, and thus bring joy to His heart!

The Lord Jesus has given us an example, that we should follow His steps.

And who does not know of the wisdom of Solomon? In King David he had a godly father, and of him he says,

"He taught me, and said unto me,

Let thine heart retain my words;

Keep my commandments, and live:

Get wisdom, get understanding:

Forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth

Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee;

Love her, and she shall keep thee" (Proverbs 4.4-6).

I am sure this good counsel helped to make him wise, and so, when God said to him, - "Ask what I shall give thee," he did not ask what most other people would have done, such as long life and great riches.

No, his request was for wisdom and knowledge that he might ably fill the highly exalted position to which God had raised him. His request pleased God so much that He not only granted his request, but added the promise of riches and honour beyond all other kings.

Shall we not then take as a word from God to us,

"My son, be wise, and make My heart glad"? (Proverbs 27.11).

Like Solomon may we listen to godly counsel and like him too make our prayer to God, our heavenly Father, for wisdom! Through James (1.5) we have His word,-" If any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting."

unknown | Jul 1953
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