Godly fathers-ungodly sons-2

This is a very important subject and one that needs to be repeated regularly as we are prone to forget. Also, men often let the interests in the world take all of their valuable ‘free’ time, leaving little for our families. Fatherhood is a very difficult role to fulfill but also can be very rewarding. It is so important that there are hundreds of verses referencing fathers in the Bible.

We should begin by getting God’s children into view. He constantly refers to children as His, which makes us stewards of His children for a very short time. Raise them up in the fear of the LORD must take place early in their lives as time passes by so quickly.

Proverbs 2:1  My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2:2  Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 

2:3  For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 2:4  If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 2:5  Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. 

Solomon is instructing his son on wisdom and understanding, which leads to the reverence/fear of the LORD. They are all part of acknowledging God has the source of all wisdom. Fathers only have less than 20 years to insure their sons come to this critical understanding that then will carry them through the rest of their lives and can be passed on to their sons.

Proverbs 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

This is a oft repeated truth. Why? Because men always think they are self-sufficient and can do it on their own.

Proverbs 10:27  The fear of the LORD prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. 0:28  The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes. 

10:29  The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity. 

10:30  The righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not dwell in the land. 

10:31  The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. 

10:32  The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted. 

What a series of contrasts! These examples are polar opposites and should cause all to seriously consider the choice in front of them.

Proverbs 15:16  Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. 

Proverbs 24:20  For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 24:21  My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change, 24:22  For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin that comes from both of them? 

Fear of the LORD only comes to those who know the LORD. These are lessons to be taught and evidenced in our own lives in front of our sons. Sadly, throughout Biblical history this did not happen.

Ezekiel 16:20  "Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. Were your harlotries so small a matter? 

16:21  "You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire.

Clearly, there is a huge chasm between instructing your children in the laws and commandments of God so they will have the wisdom to live accordingly. But, Judah and the 10 Northern tribes all sacrificed God’s children by fire to their idols of wood and stone.

Of course we don’t do that anymore, but do we spend hours on sports and minutes on meaningful, godly instruction? When we stand before God and if He asks us this question, what will be your answer?

More next Saturday.