Today we celebrate the day set aside to honor fathers. It is our heavenly Father from whom all love and goodness comes. Let us therefore praise and honor Him and give Him thanks for the earthly fathers He has given us. And on whom He has given a great charge.

Proverbs 22:6 says,
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs has much to say concerning the training of a child. The verses are usually directed to the son, but the training is needed for all children.  Before we get to the Proverbs, let me say first, how you walk and conduct yourself before the Lord is a powerful influence. Does your conduct align with your training? Or are you of the notion that says "Don't do as I do, but do as I say?' Children are under such ungodly influences all around them today that there must be that haven in home and family of the truth, love and assurance that God is faithful and trustworthy. Fathers and mothers you are not alone in this training -- you have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide! Grandparents, uncles, aunts and members of your Fellowship are role models as well, as they live godly lives.

Concerning training, I would suggest that much time be invested in Proverbs, especially 1:8 through 9:12 as these chapters seem to be directed to teaching the youth (the youth of all ages!) I will only include here a few passages (not all by far) that touched my heart in a special way. Please delve deeply to find ones that have special meaning for you. They need to be heeded by both the trainer and the trainee.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23

"Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father.
And give attention that you may gain understanding, For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.
When I was a son to my father,
Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, Then he taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live; Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:1-6

"My son, observe the commandment of your father, And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck, When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you; For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is a light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life." Proverbs 6:20-23

"I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way,
And the perverted mouth, I hate." Proverbs 8:12-13

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you." Proverbs 9: 10-11

Blessings and joy to you fathers on this special day; may you become all that the Lord called you to be in your time on earth!