Three Traits of Good Fathers

THREE TRAITS OF GOOD FATHERS

Listen to your father who gave you life (Proverbs 23:22)

The Hebrew word for “listen” requires each child to pay attention to their dad. It doesn’t mean they always have to agree with him, but it does mean they must always strive to understand him. The text assumes that the dad is a good dad who is there for his child and has his child’s best interest at heart. But what makes a dad a good dad? I want to offer three answers to that question.

1. A good dad leads his family. He leads them to…
   1. make good use of their time
   2. attend church faithfully
   3. use their money wisely
   4. depend on God
   5. respect one another and others
   6. live for the glory of God and not for self-gratification
   7. grow in the knowledge of God
   8. make disciples of Jesus
   9. A good dad loves his family. He shows them love by…
      1. spending time with them
      2. listening to them
      3. providing for their needs
      4. speaking graciously to them
      5. striving to love their mother as Christ loves the church
      6. offering them godly counsel
      7. praying for them consistently
      8. apologizing when he wrongs them
      9. A good dad loves his Lord. He lets his family see his love for the Lord by…
         1. reading his Bible in front of them
         2. giving God praise and thanks for his faithful care, guidance, and provision
         3. striving to grow in holiness every single day
         4. talking to them about the Lord’s nature, his ways, and his commands

No earthly dad fully measures up to these ideals, but Christian dads want to. Make sure that you take time to thank your dad for the blessing he is in your life, and don’t forget to pray for God to help him to become a better dad.