Devotional: A Father’s Instructions

Proverbs 1:8-20 “Hear my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;” (Prov. 1:8, NASB).

Today’s children live in great danger. Many live in poverty. Their environment is one of violence, crime, teenagers killing each other, drugs, suicide, and the list goes on. In Nashville, Tennessee Mayor Megan Barry has put together a commission to study teenage crime and come up with solutions. The commission consists of various community leaders, including business persons, faith leaders, educators, and legal persons. The search for answers and solutions is an ongoing problem in America. Young people from every socio-economic group are affected. It seems that religion and church affiliation does not necessarily stop the problem. In the Old Testament of the Bible, the primary leader of the family is the father. The wise father gives his children instructions for wise living. He begins by establishing God as the source of wisdom. The one who fears (gives reverence to) the Lord will gain knowledge. The son is instructed to follow the ways of the Lord. He is to hear the teaching of both mother and father. The father warns the son not to follow the temptation to participate in the activities and lifestyles of sinners (v. 10). The sinner will present many options that seem to bring about personal gain (vv. 13-14). The son is warned that nothing good will come if he neglects the knowledge and wisdom of God, but he participates in the ways of sinners. Let us have hearts that are inclined to learn the ways of the Lord. Fathers, teach your children the ways of the Lord so that they can make good decisions in their life.