Introduction

Hey everyone! I'm so glad you could join us today as we dive into the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs.

I recently came across a quote by Charles Spurgeon that I think really speaks to our topic today: "Train up a child in the way he should go — but be sure you go that way yourself." It's not just about teaching our children, but also about living out what we teach them.

With that in mind, let's read Proverbs 4:1-7:

"Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, 'Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.'"

The Value of a Father's Instruction

The value of a father's instruction is a theme that runs throughout the book of Proverbs, and it is a theme that is deeply rooted in the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel. The father, as the head of the household, was responsible for the moral and spiritual upbringing of his children, and his instruction was seen as a precious gift that would guide them throughout their lives. We can see this in the passage as the writer urges his sons to listen carefully to his teachings and to hold onto them as a source of life and protection.

As children grow and develop, they are constantly learning from the world around them, and the guidance and direction of a father can help to ensure that they develop a strong moral compass and a deep understanding of right and wrong. By teaching his children the principles of wisdom, a father can help to instill in them a sense of integrity, honesty, and responsibility that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Life is full of trials and tribulations, and a father's wise counsel can help to equip his children with the tools and strategies they need to navigate these challenges successfully. By sharing his own experiences and the lessons he has learned, a father can provide his children with valuable insights and practical advice that will enable them to make wise decisions and to persevere in the face of adversity.

When a father takes the time to invest in the lives of his children, to teach them and to guide them, he is demonstrating his love and commitment to their well-being. This investment of time and energy can help to create a bond of trust and respect between a father and his children that will last a lifetime. As children grow older and begin to face the challenges of adulthood, they will be more likely to turn to their father for advice and support if they have been raised with a strong foundation of love and guidance.

As the old saying goes, "actions speak louder than words," and a father's actions can have a profound impact on the way his children perceive and understand the lessons he is trying to teach them. If a father is diligent in living out the principles of wisdom that he is trying to instill in his children, they will be more likely to take his instruction to heart and to follow in his footsteps.

The passage illustrates this, where the writer recounts the lessons he learned from his own father: "For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, 'Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.'" The writer's father not only taught him the principles of wisdom but also demonstrated their value through his own actions and example. This powerful combination of instruction and example helped to shape the writer's character and to guide him on the path of wisdom throughout his life.

The value of a father's instruction is not limited to the immediate benefits it provides for his children; it also has a lasting impact that can be felt for generations to come. When a father teaches his children the principles of wisdom and sets an example for them to follow, he is laying a foundation that will continue to guide and influence them long after he is gone. His children will carry the lessons they have learned from him into their own lives and will pass them on to their children, creating a legacy of wisdom that will endure for generations.

Fathers have a unique opportunity to shape the lives of their children and to guide them on the path of wisdom, and this privilege comes with a great deal of responsibility. It is essential for fathers to be intentional in their efforts to teach and guide their children, to invest in their lives and to set an example for them to follow.

The Benefits of Following a Father's Advice

When we heed the wisdom and guidance of our fathers, we are not only showing respect and honor to them, but we are also positioning ourselves for success in various aspects of life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO