1) Fatherhood

Every father hopes his son will turn out to be the kid that brings joy to him.  There are dreams of baseball, football, puppies, fishing, hunting and more.

“The pride of sons ifs their fathers” (v. 17).

No father expects parole officers, unexpected pregnancies, drugs, rebelliousness, trouble with the law, foolishness and more.

“A man fathers a fool to his own sorry; the father of a fool has no joy” (v. 21).

“A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him” (v. 25).

2) Restraint

It’s easy to speak loosely and not guard our words.  But words matter.  A lot.

“Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips” (v. 28)

“Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler” (v. 7)

“The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding” (v. 27).

3) Righteous Ruling

The Scripture says a lot about justice.  God expects it of man–that the rulers that be would bring judgment to the guilty and bring freedom for the innocent.

“Acquitting the guilty and condemning the just–both are detestable to the LORD” (v. 15).

“It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person or to be a noble for his honesty” (v. 26).