The curse of the LORDis in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
The curse of the Lord rests in the house of the wicked. He blesses the habitation and home of the just and righteous who fear Him. The wickedness under that curse includes rejecting truth and pursuing deceptive, fraudulent, underhand dealings. Such a course violates God's law and stands under His judgment, and His law and His Word will ultimately be vindicated.
The just household is one where all the house fears God, with Christ abiding in the hearts of the family. Keeping the way of the Lord is the rule for master, children, and servants. That rule is exercised through just, loving, and firm authority that practices justice and judgment. Faithful parents who so train their children to follow the Lord's way make their household a home marked by that blessing.
Abraham exemplifies this blessing, for as priest of his household he cultivated religion in the home. He faithfully taught and directed his children and household to keep the way of the Lord and do justice and judgment. Because he so taught his household, God blessed him and promised to multiply his descendants and to bless all nations through his seed. In contrast to that blessing, Eli's failure to restrain his sons brought judgment and sorrow upon his household.
Righteous care of children refuses to excuse their wrongdoing, because indulgence confirms them in evil. Parents therefore must not order the home by what others do or think or to keep neighborly favor. No member of the household, whether parents or children, can expect the heavenly Father's blessing while watching neighbors to see if obedience pleases or displeases them. The home is its own province not to be dictated to by neighbor, minister, church, or world. It is to be made a holy Bethel where God presides, with love and fear of God joined and hearts blended in serving Christ.
The curse of the Lord rests in the house of the wicked. He blesses the habitation and home of the just and righteous who fear Him. The wickedness under that curse includes rejecting truth and pursuing deceptive, fraudulent, underhand dealings. Such a course violates God's law and stands under His judgment, and His law and His Word will ultimately be vindicated.
The just household is one where all the house fears God, with Christ abiding in the hearts of the family. Keeping the way of the Lord is the rule for master, children, and servants. That rule is exercised through just, loving, and firm authority that practices justice and judgment. Faithful parents who so train their children to follow the Lord's way make their household a home marked by that blessing.
Abraham exemplifies this blessing, for as priest of his household he cultivated religion in the home. He faithfully taught and directed his children and household to keep the way of the Lord and do justice and judgment. Because he so taught his household, God blessed him and promised to multiply his descendants and to bless all nations through his seed. In contrast to that blessing, Eli's failure to restrain his sons brought judgment and sorrow upon his household.
Righteous care of children refuses to excuse their wrongdoing, because indulgence confirms them in evil. Parents therefore must not order the home by what others do or think or to keep neighborly favor. No member of the household, whether parents or children, can expect the heavenly Father's blessing while watching neighbors to see if obedience pleases or displeases them. The home is its own province not to be dictated to by neighbor, minister, church, or world. It is to be made a holy Bethel where God presides, with love and fear of God joined and hearts blended in serving Christ.