Proverbs 19:13

“A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”

The most important people in a man’s life can bring the greatest joys – but also his greatest heartaches. 

So what is a man to do? 

The next few verses in this chapter give wisdom….

Proverbs 19:14

“House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

Just as an inheritance is a gift from parents, so a wife is a ‘gift from God’. Wisdom here is to see and to treat your wife as a gift from God – and she is more likely to become prudent and less likely to be quarrelsome. 

Proverbs 19:18

“Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.” 

This reminds me of: 

Proverbs 13:24

“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

All children start off as fools and a parent’s only hope is discipline. Yes to love and sacrifice but yes also to discipline or else their future will be a mess. 

So what is a man to do? 

Wisdom here is to love and cherish your wife as a true gift from God and discipline your own children with love, hope and diligence. ‭‭

Prayer. 

Thank you God for giving me the privilege to be a husband and father. Please help me to not be passive in my roles but embrace the wisdom found here in Your Word.  In Jesus Name, Amen.