NYM Ministries: Wisdom for Fathers(from Today's Native Father #131)

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This article is from Today's Native Father, issue #131, January/February, 2004. Related articles from this issue:
Build a Better Brain
Benefits of Reading to Your Children
You Thought I Wasn't Looking

Wisdom for Fathers
A Bible Study by David Hertzler

Wise men of old had already observed a connection between fathering and both mental and moral development. Here is what the wise father Solomon wrote:

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding...then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender...he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commandments and you will live.” My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. When you walk, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but...discipline will drive it far from him. (Proverbs 2:1, 2, 5; 4:3a, 4; 6:20, 22; 22:15 NIV).

Score yourself on these five fathering actions. Ask your wife and your children, if they are old enough, also to give you a score. Use the scores to spot strengths and weaknesses in your fathering patterns and to plan for personal growth.

My words: Destructive, Proverbs 15:1, 18:8	Constructive, Proverbs 8:8, 16:24
1----------2---------3----------4----------5----------6----------7----------8----------9---------10
My commands: Confusing, inconsistent -------------Proverbs 6:23, 10:8 ----------Clear, consistent
1----------2---------3----------4----------5----------6----------7----------8----------9---------10
My wisdom: Envious, ambitious-------- James 3:13-17--------Pure, peace-loving, considerate
1----------2---------3----------4----------5----------6----------7----------8----------9---------10
My teaching: Nothing but words------------Deuteronomy 6:6-8------------Modeled by my daily life
1----------2---------3----------4----------5----------6----------7----------8----------9---------10
My discipline: According to my comfort level Hebrews 12:7-12 Pr. 15:10 For the child’s good
1----------2---------3----------4----------5----------6----------7----------8----------9---------10

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