Whenever I read the book of Proverbs, I am amazed at the wisdom Solomon imparted to his son. I often find myself saying, “I should share that with my kids,” or “I should do that,” or “So that’s what God wants me to do!” The wisdom God imparts in the Bible is not just for the time of Solomon; it is for today, too. So for Fathers’ Day, allow me to highlight some instructions Solomon gave to his son, which we should also pass on to our children.
Make Them Listen to Your Teaching
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” Proverbs 1:8
Make Them Do the Right Thing and Keep Them Away From Wrong Doers
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not… My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.” Proverbs 1:8, 10
Make Them Review What You’ve Taught Them
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.” Proverbs 3:1
Allow Them To Experience the Consequences of Their Actions
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction.” Proverbs 3:11
Teach Them That Friendships Are Not Based on Financial Arrangements
“My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, If thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger… Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.” Proverbs 6:1,3
Steer Them Away From Teaching That Can Cause Them To Stray
“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27
Show Sincere Spiritual Joy When They Obey the Lord
“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.” Proverbs 23:15-16
Give Them An Example Worth Following
“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26
Don’t Give Them What They Want; Give Them What’s Right
“My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:13-14
I am certain the book of Proverbs contains many more lessons for fathers. Dads throughout the ages have applied these principles and have preserved their godly heritage. You can do the same today. After all, with God giving the instructions, how can you fail?
Musings of a Ministry Family 