Proverbs 13:22
“The good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…
In this life money can be made, real estate acquired, and securities can be bought. It is no small task for one to build a stable and diverse portfolio of financial assets. Certainly in a nation with a thriving economy, like we are so blessed to have here in the US, a man with the proper work ethic and knowledge, can gain millions. However, if he does not possess the understanding of the importance to teach his children discipline and moral integrity, ironically enough, they will eat up in one year, that which has taken him a lifetime to acquire.
However, the message behind this particular proverb speaks concerning something much broader in its contextual meaning….something durable…something which is infinitely more valuable It speaks not only of the importance of leaving to future generations an earthly financial asset…but also a spiritual and eternal one. It speaks concerning legacy!
It is way too often the case that this type of inheritance is one for which our children, and our children’s children often end up starving. It is said that our kids today need more discipline, and certainly that is true. However, teaching in itself is a discipline, a discipline not of the child, but of the parents. You show me a child that lacks proper discipline, and I will show you a child of undisciplined parents. When I say undisciplined, I mean that they do not have the fortitude that it takes to spend time day after day after day with their children talking to them, reading to them, and yes when it is needed disciplining them.
Finally, the end result of this process is that both the wisdom and riches of any family that does not teach its children the true values of these elements …will be one that will be inevitably lost. However, these resources are not wasted. According to this proverb the resources are just fumbled from the hands of one family and into those of another. They cannot hold it…because they have not the integrity or the wisdom to do so.
Proverbs 13:24
“He that spares his rod hates his son:
But he that loves him will correct him until his season of discipline is done.”
Raising children is just like tending a garden. It takes a lot of dedication and constant attention. If people aren’t willing to give that attention, they probably should not attempt to have children, or for that matter, even let marriage be a consideration for their lives. Because family is not just about finding a mate and having children…it is about propagating love, character, personality, and prosperity through our children to further generations.
Children need constant pruning, weed pulling, and shaping. Children are not tomato plants that grow a little while and then die off. They are potential trees that have long lives, and the fruit that they produce is perpetual. Even if a small tender sapling is growing crooked from its root, it can be bent in whichever direction it needs to grow, as long as it is small and very young. However, when a sapling begins to mature into a tree it becomes more difficult to bend and shape. When it is a full grown mature tree it is impossible to bend without completely breaking the tree. In simple terms, that is what discipline is. It is shaping a life in the direction it should grow through love, both tender and strong…both with reason and the rod.
Therefore, we can deduce that whether rich or poor…it is imperative that we impart knowledge and discipline to our children…and above all other things…wisdom. It is wisdom that will keep and be passed along throughout many generations, not money and riches. Wisdom will not rot, nor can it be stolen. It is a perpetual commodity...a lasting legacy!