Ninety-four percent of men say that building their family is the hardest task they face in life, but 88% also claim that it’s much more rewarding than they expected. Dads who impact the lives of their kids in a positive way leave a legacy that will affect several generations into the future. For that reason, fathers should be very conscious of the lessons they pass along to their children.

Some variation of the phrase, “Listen, my son…” occurs 27 times in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a compilation of wisdom, general “rules of thumb” about life, presented as a father passing on life lessons to his son. Read Proverbs and you’ll likely be reminded of some of the lessons your own father shared with you.

Proverbs 27:23-24 (NIV) reminds the son that money can be hard to come by and can be quickly lost: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” Fathers say: “Money doesn’t grow on trees” and “Look at the quality; get the most for your money.” Good dads also remind their kids that “money isn’t everything” and point out that God should come first. Proverbs’ “dad” says in Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Maybe your dad told you “Keep a civil tongue in your head!” If so, he was echoing the advice found in Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Or perhaps your dad warned you about the danger when your temper gets out of control. Proverbs’ “dad” told his son in Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

In October 1900, Dwight Eisenhower wanted to trick or treat with the older kids, but his parents said, “You’re too young to go out.” In tears, Eisenhower went into the yard and punched an apple tree. Seeing that display of temper, Dwight’s daddy tanned his hide and his mom quoted Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” At age 76, Dwight Eisenhower said, “I have always looked back on that conversation as one of the most valuable moments of my life.”

Good fathers teach honesty. Proverbs 12:22 reads, “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Harry grew up in a home where Robert E. Lee was respected. Lee’s picture hung on the wall and his biography was on the bookshelf. That biography included a letter from Lee to his own son saying, “You must be frank with the world. Frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Just say what you mean to do on every occasion and take it for granted that you mean to do right.” Nearly 100 years after Lee penned those words to his son, Harry S. Truman followed that philosophy as President of the United States.

Children must learn about sexuality and morality. The “dad” in Proverbs warns his son: “Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.” Some of these lessons, of course, are taught unconsciously, as children observe the interaction of their parents. Russ Blowers, retired minister of a large church in Indianapolis and adjunct professor at a Bible college was asked what he considered the greatest accomplishment of his forty-year ministry. Blowers answered, “I never had to go into my children’s rooms and try to explain why I had been unfaithful to their mother.”

The most important lesson a father can teach his children is to love and serve Jesus. This will impact their lives in a manner that will last into eternity. Proverbs 14:26 reads, “Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” Studies indicate that the determining factor in whether children will be in church as adults is whether their dad went to church regularly as they were growing up. Not mom. Dad. When Dad puts Jesus first, the kids follow him on the road to Heaven.

Mark Wilmoth is with Pinehurst Christian Church in Marietta. For more information regarding Pinehurst Christian Church, visit www.PinehurstChristianChurch.org