“A chip off the old block” is usually a good thing. A child is following his or her parent in a gift for singing, or a quality of generosity, or an interest in electricity. People generally quote that saying with a proud smile.
In the book of Ezekiel we see another saying about parents and children that brings out a negative side of the relationship, that “leaves a bad taste in their mouth” we could say.
“What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:
“‘The parents eat sour grapes,
and the children’s teeth are set on edge’ (Ezekiel 18:2)
The people of Israel were reaping the consequences of many years of turning away from God through defeat and exile in the country of Babylon. They were understandably upset by this time of losing their homeland and having to live as captives in another country. Those are the “sour grapes.”
A big part of the problem, though, with the Israelites quoting the proverb is that they seem to be using it as an excuse, or a way to get out of their own responsibility. “It’s our parents who caused this problem. It’s not our fault, but our ‘teeth are set on edge’ now too.” Meaning their teeth were suffering the sourness of the exile as well.
God’s response is that he treats everyone as an individual. Each person has his or her own life before God.
Are there any bad habits or customs that you’re repeating from your past experiences or upbringing? God doesn’t allow us to place the blame on our parents or anyone else. There’s no need to continue eating the same sour grapes. God lays on us the responsibility of our own spiritual lives. And at the same time he gives us the wonderful and amazing liberty of his grace to repent and find new life in his Son Jesus.
Let’s leave the sour grapes in the past, and look forward to the freedom of Christ’s renewal for us and in us!