Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother
is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
Children Who Are Mockers
Usually younger children are not mockers. It seems to be somewhere near the teens that many, not all, children test their ideas and push the boundaries. Some parents resist with reactive rage or arguments that are soaked in fear. Others find the wisdom to hold to the truth of what they say, listen to their angst-ridden teen, and provide unconditional love. If we have already communicated the truths of Proverbs, they will be there in the head of the teen when they calm down. Some parenting just deals with each day as it comes. However, the best parenting educates for the next stage. While children are young and obedient, we can fill them with knowledge that will still be in their heads when their peers think adults are jerks, and their bodies tell them things they are ashamed of.
Questions
- How should mocking be engaged?
- What kind of son turns against their parents and makes them destitute?
- How could a devout believer make sure they are always receiving instruction?
- Why does it seem that each generation of teens has less respect for their parents?
- How does today’s society reinforce the ideas that parents are adversaries?
Plymothian 