In Proverbs, chapter six, verse twenty, this book places supreme value upon the family. A family consists of a father and a mother, with a child or children. Both parents must share in the spiritual training of their children, as in Proverbs one, verses eight through nine, and chapter four, verses one to five, respectively. Wise children obey and honor their parents, as in Proverbs one, verse eight, Proverbs two, verse one, and Proverbs ten, verse one, accordingly. Marital fidelity and mutual love are exalted, as in Proverbs five, verses fifteen to twenty.
The theme is, “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” The verse under the Warning against Adultery section is not the words of David to Solomon continued from Proverbs four, verse four, but the words of Solomon to his son; and not to his son only, but to everyone that came to him for and put himself under his instruction. When we consider how much this sin abounds, how heinous adultery is in its nature, what evil consequence it is, and how certainly it destroys the spiritual life in the soul, we shall not wonder that the cautions against it are repetitive.
The children represent the father and mother. The kids who live with their parents from birth will be a reflection of them. For parents, what they do and how they conduct themselves around their children will impact them as they grow and dwell with them in the household. The child, mother, and father have their roles to live in the family. However, anyone within the household who does not fulfill the rightful needs of their role within the family will result in a dysfunctional group that can lead to failure and ruin. Only God can prosper the family.