A Father's Instruction For Life

A Father’s Instruction

Proverbs 13

Intro.

Proverbs 13:1 “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”

- This chapter gives us tidbits of a Father’s instruction to his children (“son”includes

daughter)

- It also speaks of what happens when we don’t listen.

“Scorner” - Mocks, “make mouth at” (talks back), mocks or makes fun of his father

For example – Vs. 20

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be

destroyed.”

This chapter is filled with Fatherly advice, we can’t get to all them, so I’ll just pull out a few.

I. Control your tongue. Vs. 3

A. Sometimes it’s best to just be quiet.

Proverbs 21:23 “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips

is esteemed a man of understanding.”

B. There are times we should speak up.

C. The trick is knowing when to be quiet and when to speak up.

II. Work hard. Vs. 4

A. The lazy man wants stuff, but can’t get them

B. The hard worker will prosper

C. See also Vs. 11

Prov. 13:11 ¶ Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall

increase.

III. Be Honest. Vs. 5

IV. Live right. Vs. 6

A. It will keep you on the right path

Proverbs 13:6 “Godliness helps people all through life, while the evil are destroyed by their

wickedness.”

B. Sin will overcome the wicked.

V. Manage your money well. Vs. 7

Prov. 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself

poor, yet hath great riches.

VI. Let your light shine. Vs. 9

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify

your Father which is in heaven.”

VII. Listen to good advice. Vs. 10

VIII. Obey the Word of God. Vs. 13-15

IX. Think before you act. Vs. 16

Proverbs 13:16 “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it!”

X. Accept criticism. Vs. 18

XI. Leave something for your grand-children. Vs. 22

XII. Love your children enough to discipline them. Vs. 24

Conclusion

A wise son listens to his Father.

An earthly Father.

Maybe your earthly father didn’t give you this kind of advice, but your heavenly father does.

A heavenly Father.

Loves you very much.

Wants the best for you

Are you a child of God?

John 1:11, 12

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”