Proverbs 19:13-14

¹³A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. ¹⁴Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Helper      

Some of you have “helper.” Others worked as helper. We also help, assist, support or lend a hand to the needy. Who should be commended between the helper and the one who is being helped? In high class society, they admire and praise rich people who employ helpers. Their helpers are ignored. But when we help the needy we can expect reward from the Lord.

Together, let’s reflect on what it narrated in Genesis 2:18-22, ¹⁸The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” ¹⁹Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. ²⁰So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ²¹So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. ²²Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

Originally, the woman was described as suitable helper, why? Most translation presented the woman as suitable helper. Other versions present the woman as complementary partner for the man. The Hebrew culture is patriarchal or governed and controlled by men. So, men are prioritized.

They may have followed the life example of Abraham and Sarah.

How do you personally internalize what it declares in 1 Peter 3:5-6,

⁵For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, ⁶like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Specifically it says holy women who put their hope in God adorn and beautify themselves, how? Holy women imitate Sarah. Sarah submitted to Abraham as her Lord. Holy women are daughters of Sarah. They submit to their husbands because it is right in the eyes of God. They are not afraid to submit. Why? They trust God rewards them just as God rewarded Sarah.

God our heavenly Father rewards what’s right. He rewards holy wives who submit to their husbands. He rewards husbands who love their wives. Anyway, quarrelsome wives is compared irritating sound of dripping water.

1. Irritation

¹³A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

Like father like son they say. My father was a drunkard, and I became a drunkard. My father won’t scold a drunkard me. What can he do? Praise God. My son is smarter not to follow my foolish drunkenness. How do you interpret and explain what the Lord almighty declared in Isaiah 5:11?

¹¹Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.

Drunkenness is foolishness. Alcohol destroys the liver. Drunk drivers are a disaster on the streets. A drunkard cannot control his desire, actions, thoughts and decisions. Drunkenness is always related to failure, danger, and trouble. It’s smart choice to avoid the foolish drunkenness of parents.

Gran Torino

The movie Gran Torino feature a cantankerous and grumpy retired war veteran widower. He lived in a neighborhood dominated by gangsters. His sons suggested, “Dad, you should move to a retirement community for your safety.” His daughter-in-law pressured her husband, “Tell you Dad to leave his home to us.” The widower knew their intention because he saw his daughter-in-law stole the jewelries of his wife after her funeral.

It’s not smart to reside in a neighborhood dominated by gangster. The veteran’s son pressured him to move to a retirement home. His daughter-in-law nagged his son to give them his house and properties. His son may have been irritated of his wife so that he pressured his old veteran father. Foolishness of children and irritating relationship may happen to any household. How would you react or behave in such difficult challenges?

Seriously reflect on what it declares in Deuteronomy 29:29, ²⁹The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

God gave us the Scripture to follow, why? God designed for us to explore adventurous life in Christ. Following his instruction guides us to his wonderful plan. When we follow God’s word, can we avoid foolish violence or quarrels. By faith, we trust we God eliminates fear of future uncertainties.

So, what can children expect if they follow God’s instruction? Will children expect that their parents may leave them great inheritance?

2. Inheritance

¹⁴Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Is it smart for children to expect inheritance from their parents? Smart children would rather strive to support their own lifestyle, instead of relying upon giveaways from their parents. Children who’re respectful, grateful and filial to their parents would even include parents in their plans. Responsible children take care of their parents at old age. Whether children take care of their  parents or not at old age, we can trust God’s promise in Psalm 9:18. ¹⁸God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Rich or poor, everyone has personal needs. Anyone can have health issues or relationship problems. Older people who suffer from dementia, have to depend on their relatives to administer their property, and that may cause problem about trust and confidence. God has solution for old age.

Ruth

Old widow Naomi decided to return to Israel after her husband and sons died. Her daughter-in-law decided to follow Naomi to help her at old age. They arrived in Bethlehem at harvest time, and Ruth went to gather leftover grain. Observe what it narrated in Ruth 2:17-18, ¹⁷So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. ¹⁸She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

After her husband died, Ruth chose to take care of old Naomi. She trusted the God Naomi worshipped. Boaz gave food to Ruth but she saved some food for Naomi. God rewarded Ruth for her righteousness. He made her met Boaz who became her husband. Boaz provided good life for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz told Ruth what people talk about her in Ruth 3:11. ¹¹All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

Ruth was a woman of noble character. She brought home leftovers for her mother-in-law Naomi. Bringing home leftovers is prudence. After feeding the 5,000, Christ instructed to collect the leftovers.

How do you choose a prudent wife? Observe women who dare to bring home leftovers. Wasting food is never wise at all. Prudence is ability to manage expenses productively. A prudent wife is gift from the Lord.

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