Portraits Of A Father From Proverbs Series

PORTRAITS OF A FATHER FROM PROVERBS

Proverbs 13:1; 15:5; 27:10; 22:28; 17:6

INTRODUCTION:

A. Happy Father’s Day Fathers.

1. If you are here with your dad you are privileged to do so.

2. There are many who would like to be but cannot - enjoy the time together.

B. On Mother’s Day we noted that though God gave us a wonderful passage in Proverbs 31:10-31 concerning a wife and mother there was not such an extensive passage for husbands and fathers.

1. That is not to say that the book of Proverbs does not have much to say concerning the subject.

2. Scattered throughout the book are many passages that deal with the subject of Fathers.

C. This morning I would like to take a look at 4 of those scripture texts and see what we can glean concerning Fathers.

1. In them we will find much to be grateful for

2. They are:

a. Proverbs 13:1 – Fathers Give Instruction

b. Proverbs 15:5 – Fathers Give Reproof

c. Proverbs 22:28 – Fathers Provide Foundations

d. Proverbs17:6 – Fathers Become Glory

3. May we be encouraged as God brings to light the wonders of fatherhood and the blessing of having a loving father.

PRAYER

Before I get into the message I want you all to know that I am very proud of my dad. He is presently in his second year of fighting colon cancer.

- He has had surgeries; He has had radiation; and he is now on his 3rd round and different chemotherapy – which is the worst , causing him to break out in a rash and causing him constant itching.

- Who knew that when he got saved a few years ago that this would come – God did – and who, but God, knew what a testimony he would be through this trying time.

- He has been a picture of contentment and grace, and a witness to the mercy and peace of God!

- He is indeed, as the scriptures state, the glory of his children!

And so we consider fathers today – grateful for them because from them we gained much that we needed for life. We begin this morning with

I. FATHERS GIVE INSTRUCTION: Pro 13:1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

A. The Passage - In this passage we see a particular act of a father seen in two very distinct lights

1. A wise son considers what his father is saying and gleans from it that which is needed to grow in wisdom and understanding.

2. A scorning son, also called a fool in our second passage, hears the same words and sees it as a rebuke, that of which he does not what to hear.

3. Wisdom and instruction go hand in hand

4. Resisting instruction, because it is seen as rebuke, inevitably brings rebuke, that of which a fool scorns at.

B. The Application – Oh, how we need to understand the purposes of God as He has set fathers in the home.

1. It is amazing how much our dads learn in 10 years: when we are 18 we think they know nothing – when we move into our late twenties it seems that they overflow with wisdom.

2. Though it may seem that way to us, it is this principle in action.

3. The verse infers that a father is taking the effort to teach – instruct his children in the things of life – that is one of his major responsibilities in life.

4. And as the verse states, a wise son, or child, hears and grows in understanding

5. We need to thank our dads for the teaching and wisdom they tried to impart to us as we grew – it is a show of love and concern for our benefit.

6. Over and over the writer of Proverbs makes the plea

a. Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

b. Proverbs 2:1-2 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; [2] So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

c. Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: [2] For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

d. Proverbs 4:1-2 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. [2] For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

7. As you can see there is much to be gained by your children, fathers – instruct

8. And one of the best ways to provide the instruction is to live it, dads!

- But sons and daughters, hear and act upon your father’s instruction, put it to use in your lives.