Topical Bible: Wicked Children: Their Guilt in Robbing Parents

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The Bible provides numerous insights into the relationship between parents and children, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's parents and the consequences of failing to do so. Wicked children, through their actions and attitudes, can bring significant grief and loss to their parents, effectively "robbing" them of peace, joy, and honor.

Biblical Foundation

The Fifth Commandment explicitly instructs children to honor their parents: "Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment underscores the importance of respect and obedience within the family structure, promising blessings for those who adhere to it.

Consequences of Disobedience

Proverbs offers wisdom on the impact of a child's behavior on their parents. Proverbs 17:25 states, "A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him" . This verse highlights the emotional toll that a wayward child can have on their parents, causing deep sorrow and distress.

Similarly, Proverbs 19:26 warns, "He who assaults his father and evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace" . Such actions not only harm the parents but also bring dishonor to the family name, reflecting poorly on the upbringing and values instilled by the parents.

Robbing Parents of Joy and Peace

Wicked children rob their parents of joy and peace by engaging in behaviors that are contrary to biblical teachings. Proverbs 10:1 states, "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother" . The contrast between a wise and foolish child is stark, with the latter causing emotional turmoil and robbing parents of the joy that comes from seeing their children walk in righteousness.

Financial and Social Implications

Beyond emotional distress, wicked children can also bring financial and social burdens upon their parents. Proverbs 28:24 warns, "He who robs his father or mother, saying, 'It is not wrong,' is a companion to a man who destroys" . This verse suggests that children who exploit their parents' resources or bring financial ruin upon them are akin to those who engage in destructive behavior.

Spiritual Implications

The spiritual implications of a child's wickedness are profound. Ephesians 6:1-3 exhorts children to obey their parents "in the Lord, for this is right" . Disobedience and rebellion against parental authority are ultimately acts of defiance against God's ordained order, leading to spiritual consequences for both the child and the family.

Parental Responsibility and Hope

While the focus is on the guilt of wicked children, it is essential to acknowledge the role of parents in guiding and disciplining their children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" . Parents are called to instill godly values and discipline, providing a foundation for their children to make righteous choices.

Despite the challenges posed by wicked children, there is hope for redemption and restoration. The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the possibility of repentance and reconciliation, offering a powerful reminder of God's grace and the potential for transformation within the family unit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:24
Whoever robs his father or his mother, and said, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fifth Book
... of what is due; he chastens the wicked, but not to ... I speak of their loved ones and
their children, when they ... that to do with you, whom even their mistakes have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... and cries of their damned companions; children crying out ... Satan was himself their
comforter, as he was to our ... saints, so Satan is the comforter of the wicked. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit
of his mouth, and ... "Papist children may accuse their parents of heresy ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 389; object of, [801]401; with the wicked in guilt ... Guilt shared by those who give
power to the sinner ... Mothers miss their children at table, [1609]400; case of a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... be no hope of a change in your wicked conduct ... you and the devil would; but God's
regenerate children are not ... All beings live according to their nature, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever ... say that he who is
carried away by a wicked mind performs ... But it is said he works by their means. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... he might be rewarded, [662]331; an example to bereaved parents, [663]336 ... Fathers,
duty of, to their children, [1386]304; reward children for virtue as pleasing ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... of hell, that men should be so desperately wicked as to ... whether they were the things
of his fellow-children, or if ... man, to do what I list, without their control ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... And as I said before, that not only the wicked, but also the ... the Lord their God;
they must also be separated from their wives, children, husbands, friends ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... and feeble, represented as men, women, and children, are so ... as others did, yet retaining
my wicked life; but ... by the church bells to celebrate their sports and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm