A foolish parent

Proverbs 11:29 (LB)

The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left. 

It is so sad to read or hear about (or, worse, if you experience this personally) a family member who has gone off the edge and done something to his/her family that leads to anger, resentment, separation, and other terrible consequences.

I consider myself very, very fortunate that my father, a Marine and survivor of Iwo Jima and other South Pacific battles during WWII, has always been a kind and gentle man and treated my mother and all his family with love, kindness, and respect.  Yet, I have seen many other men treat their wives and children terribly---putting them down, complaining, never satisfied, never offering praise.  What are the results of treating loved ones like this?  Indeed, the truth of the Bible stands out.  Family members become angry and resentful of treatment like this and you eventually will lose them, both their presence and respect.

Ephesians 6:4 clearly commands fathers not to provoke their children to anger.  If you do, they will “lose heart” (Colossians 3:21).  To lose heart means to be discouraged and discouragement produces loss of confidence, self-worth, and a sense of belonging, all of which can produce terrible consequences. 

What are the consequences----“will finally have nothing worthwhile left”.  What this is saying is that the most worthwhile thing life has to offer is to have loved ones.  When the fool does stupid things to create barriers with his/her family, to drive loved ones away, what is left that is really worthwhile?  Nothing!

If you know that you have been foolish as this verse describes, do something positive about it.  Confess your sins and seek forgiveness.  Ask your family for forgiveness, meaning that you have to lose your pride and ego.  Seek professional help.  Ask your family to help you overcome your foolish tendencies while at the same time seek the Lord’s help through His word to enable your life to transform from the uncontrolled self to the Spirit-controlled self.