Help! My Son Cries About Every Little Thing! – MBFLP 272 - a podcast by Hal Young and Melanie Young

A member of our Facebook community asked, "What about boys crying?" There have been people who said it's unmanly to cry, and discouraged or even disciplined their sons for crying - ever. On the other hand, some say it's less than human to hold back the tears - so we should allow or encourage our sons to freely express everything. But what's the Biblical balance here? Does the Scripture have anything to say about men who cry? And how should that inform our parenting toward our sons?



Scriptures We Referenced

Isaiah 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.



Examples of Strong Godly Men Who Cried



John 11:35 - Jesus wept.



Matthew 26:74-75 - Then [Peter] began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.



Philippians 3:17-19 - Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. (The apostle Paul)



Reminders There are Times for Both Weeping and Restraint



Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 - To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. ... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance ... 



Nehemiah 8:9-10 - And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”



Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.



Proverbs 25:28 - Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.

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