Righteous Sons

 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. ~ Proverbs 23:24

    Father’s Day is coming up and this proverb suits the occasion well. There are very interesting differences between the celebration of mothers and the celebration of fathers in our land — “just sayin.” It is what it is, so my primary aim is to write about how fathers can raise up wise children as the proverb says.
   The theme of this section of Proverbs is caution and encouragement for sons. Parents should lead both daughters and sons to truth and wisdom, discipline, and understanding because it pleases God and brings joy to parents. Training in the truth and gaining understanding means developing the perception and practical knowledge of the truth. Parents who neglect it tacitly allow others to assume this vital leadership. Impressionable youths will soak it up like a sponge, in part because they crave understanding, respect, and attention from their parents — especially sons from fathers.
    Sons are often mirrors of their fathers in matters of righteousness or godliness. It isn’t what you say that matters, Dad, but what you do or don’t do. They see and mirror your attention to them, to their siblings, and mothers. Sons make a thousand micro-memories of your character every week. The youthful need for justice and approval compels them to validate you or dismiss you. They compare your religion to your hobbies, your work, your habits, and tastes. They notice with fine detail whether you are trying to validate yourself through them, or striving to serve them as a loving mentor, protector, and worthy example. Even if your colleagues, associates, and friends laud you, your son will note the differences between your public character and your nature at home. Fathers, you have an enormous responsibility that is easy to reject because it will cost you much.
    “Dan! I thought this was supposed to be encouragement.” I hear you saying. Yeah, it is, and here it comes. Before I can encourage you in raising godly sons, I must urge you to take up the entire burden. Then you will need all the help you can get, and that’s the point. A father who joins other Christian men, just like bands of brothers, fighting for each other in war, has a unity of purpose and witness to his sons that will gain precious territory in their hearts and minds. Fathers who submit to Christ’s authority and devote time and resources to His service show devotion to selflessness that leaves room for sons in their priorities. Servant leadership at the cost of a father’s flesh’s desires teaches sons about an eternal endgame rather than a race to satisfy every want in a race against time. A dad’s respect for the wisdom of elders, spouses, and children shows sons a parental standard that offers room for questioning and testing — who would you rather he discuss the issues of the day with? 
    Good fathers do these things for the sake of their legacy; Great fathers do so for the glory of the Heavenly Father. The righteousness of your sons will cause the LORD to rejoice and honor your faithfulness. You will feel His pleasure and realize that you are enough when you open yourself to God’s love and then pass it on.