What are the bible proverbs about family? Find out in this article with commentary on each verse.
Introduction
Most people’s ideas of what a family is are limited. We may interpret family categorically. The family unit that is more obvious is one of a father, mother, and children. This is when two strangers fall in love, get married and have children. When you adopt someone into a family, though not blood related, they become part of that family. Descendants of a common ancestor are also family (blood ties). There is a unique family that is not tied by blood. This is a religious family, the Christian family. A common faith and belief in Jesus Christ tie this family as the savior and liberator.
5 Bible proverbs about family
Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
It is the responsibility of the mother and father to teach their son the principles and the law of God. This is the perfect example of the family. A father teaches his house the commandments of God; the mother instructs the son about what the father of the house expects of him. The mother is in agreement with the father and they raise their son together. The mother in this instruction verse is the bond of the family.
The son is being urged to obey his parents. This points to Ephesians 6:1-3 which encourages children to obey and honour their father and mother. The reward for obeisance is long life and blessings from God (all will go well for the child who listens to his parents). Living in harmony with your family has rewards. God rewards obedience to Him and to your family.
Proverbs 12:4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
A crown is a symbol of honour. A good wife is an honour to her husband. He is pleased in her. The foundation of a biblical family is the husband and wife. If the foundation is good, then the structure (family) will be strong.
However, a bad woman will not build a family. Instead of building up her husband, she destroys him. She is like a cancer in his bones. This is the negative of a family. A family should have love and peace from God. God made the family as a unit to flourish in the world.
Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Solomon, the wise king who wrote this proverb, warns of the dangers of living an unlawful life driven by greed. This kind of greed puts the whole family at risk. This is a warning against the love of money, which leads to corruption (taking bribes) which is unlawful. Not only is the person compromising their integrity for money, but they also risk going to jail thereby bringing shame to their house. The Bible is stressing the point of maintaining the family’s integrity and keeping the family unit intact.
Proverbs 17:6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Grandchildren are precious. They signify the continuation of the family name. They are living proof of the building of generations. To father a child, and that child father’s a child also who is raised in the ways and commandments of God is a blessing. The book of Proverbs advocates for family building. There are three generations mentioned in the proverb, the aged, the parents, and the children.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A genuine friend is good to have. However, a blood brother is there when things are hard. A brother is family that sees you through the worst of times. It’s a family member that never gives up on you. This Bible proverb solidifies the need for a reliable family. A genuine family is a breath of fresh air, especially in this fast-paced age where relationships are sidelined and people pursue material things.
The Bible refers to the believers as brothers. The brothers in Christ can also stick by you through the worst of times. They will provide the love and care that Jesus has for humanity. This is the family of believers (Galatians 6:10). Often the family of God provides spiritual support and encouragement to hold on to the faith.Â
Conclusion
The book of Proverbs shows us the importance of family. Family is important both to God and human beings. Family is not only by blood. It is also by faith in God. Without family, there is no society. Society comprises different families. God holds the family unit together. It is God’s word that protects, guides and leads families.Â
