"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. As arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them!.Psalm 127:3-5 The Amplified Bible

But what a responsibly! In these present days the responsibly seems greater and more urgent than ever before. How parent and child are to relate to each other is clearly stated in Ephesians 6:1-4, "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Vs 1-3 Then to fathers in Vs. 4 The Amplified Bible says, "Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord."

Fathers are to train, discipline, counsel and admonish tenderly. This is not a quick process, but an ongoing work just as our heavenly Father tenderly trains, disciplines, counsels and admonishes each one of us. Proverbs has given us many example of a father's wise counsel.

I have selected a few introductory verses, but please read them in context for the whole of the whole teaching:
"Hear, my son, your father's instruction, And do not forsake your mother's teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head." 1:8-9

"Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding,
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord, And discover the knowledge of God." 2:2-5

"My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments; Do not let kindness and truth leave you, Bind them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man." 3:1& 3-4

"...Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
So they will be life to your soul.
Then you will walk in your way securely, And your foot will not stumble." 3:21-23

My question to all is, are we practicing these very things? Are we living in a godly manner before our children? Do we seek God's wisdom in our daily lives? Do our children see us reading the Bible, are we sharing it with them? Do they see us praying, do we pray with them? Is Christ Jesus proclaimed in our homes? Our walk must match our talk otherwise it is hypocrisy.

Scripture tells us,
"But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." James 3:17

Fathers (mothers, too), how very blessed we are for our children and with grateful hearts let us give praise and thanks to our heavenly Father for these precious gifts.

Happy Father's Day!