Children are here exhorted to be wise and good, 1. That they may be a
comfort to their parents and may make their hearts glad, even when the
evil days come, and so recompense them for their care, ch. xxiii. 15.
2. That they may be a credit to them: "That I may answer him that
reproaches me with having been over-strict and severe in bringing up my
children, and having taken a wrong method with them in restraining them
from the liberties which other young people take. My son, be wise, and
then it will appear, in the effect, that I went the wisest way to work
with my children." Those that have been blessed with a religious
education should in every thing conduct themselves so as to be a credit
to their education and to silence those who say, A young saint, an old
devil; and to prove the contrary, A young saint, an old angel.