Proverbs 23:24-26 (ESV)
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and mother be glad;
let her who bore you rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
Saying 17 adds that a wise son brings gladness to his parents. The father and mother of a righteous man rejoice together as they enjoy the blessings that result from their commitment to biblical teaching and training. The whole family benefits from a child’s obedience. Saying 18 reveals that the father is entrusted with the welfare of his son, and the son must depend upon his parents’ godly wisdom. As the son grows, he is tempted to keep his heart to himself, without accountability. The honorable son gives himself to the care and protection of his upright father. His parents have traveled along the path of the righteous and know what it takes to remain steadfast despite the many obstacles that will appear along the way. Ultimately, the son must give his heart to his heavenly Father. In the same way, as we hand our hopes, dreams, and desires over to the Lord, we can be confident we will be kept safe, now and eternally.