Topical Bible: Parents: Paternal Reproaches

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In the biblical context, paternal reproaches refer to the admonitions, corrections, and sometimes rebukes that fathers give to their children. These reproaches are often seen as a necessary part of child-rearing, intended to guide children in the ways of righteousness and wisdom. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the role of fathers in disciplining and instructing their children.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of paternal reproaches is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Proverbs, in particular, emphasizes the importance of a father's guidance. Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." This passage highlights the parallel between divine discipline and paternal correction, suggesting that both are acts of love intended for the child's benefit.

Role of Fathers

Fathers are called to be the spiritual leaders of their households, responsible for teaching their children the ways of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse underscores the balance fathers must maintain between correction and encouragement, ensuring that their reproaches do not lead to resentment but rather to growth in faith and character.

Examples of Paternal Reproaches

The Bible provides several examples of paternal reproaches, both explicit and implicit. One notable example is found in the account of Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, in 1 Samuel 2. Eli's failure to adequately reproach his sons for their sinful behavior ultimately led to their downfall and his own judgment. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting paternal responsibilities.

Conversely, the account of the prodigal son in Luke 15 illustrates a father's reproach through love and forgiveness. While the father does not explicitly rebuke his wayward son, his actions convey a powerful message of correction and restoration, emphasizing the importance of grace in paternal reproaches.

Wisdom and Instruction

The book of Proverbs frequently associates paternal reproaches with wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 13:1 states, "A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke." This verse highlights the value of a father's correction in cultivating wisdom and discernment in children. Similarly, Proverbs 15:5 declares, "A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent."

The Heart of Paternal Reproaches

At the heart of paternal reproaches is the desire to see children grow in righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of sin. Hebrews 12:9-10 reflects this sentiment: "Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of spirits and live? They disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness."

In summary, paternal reproaches are an integral part of biblical parenting, serving as a means of guiding children toward a life of wisdom, righteousness, and faithfulness. Fathers are called to administer these reproaches with love, patience, and a focus on the spiritual well-being of their children, reflecting the divine discipline of God the Father.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 9:24,25
And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him.
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Genesis 49:3-7
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
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Library

The Will.
... by the cares and caresses common to the paternal roof, has ... Woe to the parents who
fall into it, and the ... How will she, in her warnings and reproaches be able to ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter ix the will.htm

Treatise viii. On Works and Alms.
... men of your stamp with righteous reproaches: "Thou sayest ... we ought not to prefer
either our parents or children ... show to them the full and paternal sweetness of ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise viii on works and.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... of their own, are justified by the paternal indulgence of ... God, he is torn away from
friends, parents, and country ... dearly for his birth in the reproaches of Sarah ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book I.
... who, having but lately left her paternal home, and ... are the greatest delight to their
parents, thou didst ... not only to abstain from reproaches and accusation ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... wings of Christ's doves by their aspersive reproaches. ... All which considered, should
make parents whet holy ... Christ brings to prove God's paternal care for his ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... danger of the council;" whosoever by reproaches and evil ... petulantly and contumeliously
violate the paternal authority. ... all who rebel against their parents to be ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... him in many ways, by means of reproaches, admonitions, attentions ... merely rested upon
his lips as a paternal reproof. ... In this my condition, my parents felt for me ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... believers is the whole fountain of cheerfulness, [1210]460; ordains suffering first,
[1211]450; unceasingly gracious, [1212]452; reproaches for insensibility ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... obedient and obliging, being born of good, honest, godly parents, who had ... fifteen
pounds at play, and, becoming outrageous, he cast angry reproaches upon God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... I bear this burden merely for your sakes.' It is a defence which one could fancy
an Eastern tyrant making for the most rigorous of 'paternal governments.' But ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm