Fatherly Advice

My children, listen to me. Listen to your father’s instruction.Pay attention and grow wise,for I am giving you good guidance.Don’t turn away from my teaching. . . .My father told me,“Take my words to heart.Follow my instructions and you will live.Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment.Don’t forget or turn away from my words.Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.Love her, and she will guard you.”

Proverbs 4:1-2, 4-6

Maybe as you listened, this actually made you a little sad because you never had a father who talked with you and taught you wise things. Maybe you’re a single mom and you wish your children had a father who did that. Having a father is a very important thing. Listen to some tragic statistics: 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children and 71 percent of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes.

But although you may have lacked this kind of strong, wise input on a human level, God himself is able to make it up to you. He is willing and able to step into that role to father you and father your kids, giving them wise advice. He can stand beside you when you’re weak. He can comfort you when you’re lonely or afraid. He will be the Father you never had but always wanted.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

“Learn to be wise and develop good judgment” is your Father God’s advice for you today. Learn and develop are the key verbs. Wisdom does not just come overnight. We learn what is right as we read the book of Proverbs. Then we have a responsibility to apply what we learn. Each time we do what we know is right, we forge paths of obedience in our characters. Does that make sense? Wise choices and good judgment become your “new groove.” And that’s a good thing!

Let’s Pray

Lord, please teach me what is right and help me to apply what I learn.

One Year Bible Reading

Genesis 41:17–42:17; Matthew 13:24-46; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 4:1-6