The Joy of a Righteous Child
02/15/2026
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.” — Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)
What a verse. Have you ever watched someone you love walk-in wisdom. It is so incredibly moving to see this happen.
As a father, I can tell you there are few things that stir the heart more than seeing your child make a decision that honors God. It’s not about perfection or achievement. It’s about direction. It’s about watching them choose righteousness when compromise would be easier.
This proverb doesn’t say the father rejoices because his child is wealthy. It doesn’t say he rejoices because they are famous or powerful. It says he rejoices because they are righteous and wise.
Righteousness brings joy to generations.
I’ve seen it in families where the parents quietly prayed for years. They sowed Scripture into bedtime routines. They modeled repentance when they failed. They chose integrity in business even when it cost them. And one day, they begin to see their children not just attending church, but leading. Not just believing, but living it.
That kind of joy runs deeper than applause or trophies or ribbons.
And I don’t think this verse is just about biological children either. As a pastor, I’ve experienced this verse spiritually. When someone you’ve walked with through doubt begins to stand firm in faith… when someone who once struggled in destructive patterns begins to choose holiness… when a young believer starts discipling others….you rejoice.
It shows us that righteousness multiplies.
But here’s the other side of this verse: righteousness doesn’t happen by accident. Wisdom doesn’t grow in spiritual neglect. It is cultivated. It is modeled. It is corrected and encouraged.
Parents, grandparents, mentors, what are we planting?
Are we planting performance or character?
Are we celebrating success more than obedience?
Are we teaching our children how to win… but not how to worship?
The greatest legacy we can leave is not financial inheritance…..it’s spiritual formation.
And to those who may feel discouraged, maybe your child is not walking with the Lord right now, don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep modeling Christ. Seeds planted in faith have a way of rising in God’s timing.
Remember righteousness produces joy.
And wisdom becomes a gift not just to the child, but to everyone around them.
Take a few moments today to reflect on these action steps:
• Pray intentionally for the spiritual growth of your children or those you mentor.
• Speak life and affirmation over a wise decision you’ve seen them make.
• Model repentance and humility in your own life.
Today’s challenge:
Encourage one person in your life who is choosing righteousness. Let them know the joy it brings you.
Prayer:
Father, thank You that righteousness brings joy. Help me to live in a way that models wisdom for the next generation. Give me patience in seasons of waiting and faith in seasons of sowing. May my life point others to You, and may I rejoice as I see Your work growing in those I love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.” — Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)
What a verse. Have you ever watched someone you love walk-in wisdom. It is so incredibly moving to see this happen.
As a father, I can tell you there are few things that stir the heart more than seeing your child make a decision that honors God. It’s not about perfection or achievement. It’s about direction. It’s about watching them choose righteousness when compromise would be easier.
This proverb doesn’t say the father rejoices because his child is wealthy. It doesn’t say he rejoices because they are famous or powerful. It says he rejoices because they are righteous and wise.
Righteousness brings joy to generations.
I’ve seen it in families where the parents quietly prayed for years. They sowed Scripture into bedtime routines. They modeled repentance when they failed. They chose integrity in business even when it cost them. And one day, they begin to see their children not just attending church, but leading. Not just believing, but living it.
That kind of joy runs deeper than applause or trophies or ribbons.
And I don’t think this verse is just about biological children either. As a pastor, I’ve experienced this verse spiritually. When someone you’ve walked with through doubt begins to stand firm in faith… when someone who once struggled in destructive patterns begins to choose holiness… when a young believer starts discipling others….you rejoice.
It shows us that righteousness multiplies.
But here’s the other side of this verse: righteousness doesn’t happen by accident. Wisdom doesn’t grow in spiritual neglect. It is cultivated. It is modeled. It is corrected and encouraged.
Parents, grandparents, mentors, what are we planting?
Are we planting performance or character?
Are we celebrating success more than obedience?
Are we teaching our children how to win… but not how to worship?
The greatest legacy we can leave is not financial inheritance…..it’s spiritual formation.
And to those who may feel discouraged, maybe your child is not walking with the Lord right now, don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep modeling Christ. Seeds planted in faith have a way of rising in God’s timing.
Remember righteousness produces joy.
And wisdom becomes a gift not just to the child, but to everyone around them.
Take a few moments today to reflect on these action steps:
• Pray intentionally for the spiritual growth of your children or those you mentor.
• Speak life and affirmation over a wise decision you’ve seen them make.
• Model repentance and humility in your own life.
Today’s challenge:
Encourage one person in your life who is choosing righteousness. Let them know the joy it brings you.
Prayer:
Father, thank You that righteousness brings joy. Help me to live in a way that models wisdom for the next generation. Give me patience in seasons of waiting and faith in seasons of sowing. May my life point others to You, and may I rejoice as I see Your work growing in those I love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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