7. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. {is a companion...: or, feedeth gluttons}
Keeping the law is national wisdom and honor. (Deuteronomy 4:6.) Invaluable is that training, which leads young persons, under the Lord's blessing, to this happy personal choice. (Isaiah 56:6, 7.) Such are manifestly taught of God, and guided by his Spirit into true wisdom. For suppose a son of polished manners and intellectual endowments, yet without right principle; or one of moderate ability, in an humble walk of life, yet deeply imbued with practical godliness; could we hesitate, which was the wise son, bringing honor to his father's name? (Chapter 23:24.) Yet how often is shame instead of honor, the father's bitter exercise! For how is his name blotted, when the depraved son, bent upon his own gratification, chooses the companionship of the ungodly, and shortly becomes one of them!† Young man! in thy noisy mirth hast thou found solid enduring peace?† Let the man of God direct you in the “cleansing thy way, by taking heed thereto according to the word.”† Let his choice be thine — “I am a companion,” not of riotous men, but “of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.”† Meet the enticements of thy former companions with a decided protest — “Depart from me, ye evil-doers; I will keep the commandments of my God.”† Here is honor to thy father, happiness to thyself, usefulness to the Church, meetness for heaven.
Parents! Do we shrink from this overwhelming shame? Let us more diligently, more prayerfully cultivate that wise and holy training of our children, which is God's appointed ordinance; and which, however long or severely he may try our faith, he will not fail to honor in his fittest time. (Chapter 22:6.)
|