Proverbs 1:8-33

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8–9, NKJV)

As Solomon wrote these proverbs, he did it from the perspective of a father advising his son. All good parents know how important it is to train their sons and daughters. We make sure they are fed and clothed, and as they get older, we make sure they go to school to learn the skills necessary to succeed in life. But it is also very important to train them spiritually. The LORD emphasized this training in the book of Deuteronomy.

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7, NKJV)

We must do this with our children and grandchildren. How else can we prepare them for the godless world in which we live?

When our children were growing up, I tried to read Bible stories and pray with them at bedtime. With our busy schedules this was not always possible. But when we went on vacation I would start the day with morning devotions. This was not popular when our children were chomping at the bit to go into Disneyland! But Cindy and I both wanted to put God first and give our kids a solid foundation of faith.

Now that our children are grown up with children of their own, Cindy and I are greatly blessed seeing our adult children and their spouses, loving and serving the Lord. It is not easy in our busy world to be intentional about family devotions, but it is perhaps the greatest investment we can make into future generations.