September 2 – Why the emphasis on sons?

“Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, they are a graceful garland for your head and a pendant for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” – Proverbs 1:8-10 

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-3

I can hear folks protesting: why is it always sons? The focus in these verses is on training sons within the household. A couple of things are important to note. Sons are disciplined throughout their youth to be the head of the family. This was ordained by the LORD in the Garden of Eden. Husbands and fathers are to be a blessing to the members of their family.

A son who has been trained to grow in the knowledge of the LORD has been equipped to be a faithful husband and a diligent father. A wise woman would do well to look at her potential husband’s family. Are there family devotions? Can you see that his family does more than pay lip service to God? Is their faith more than a “Sunday-only” event?

A man who has been raised in the ways of God will seek a godly wife. The promise of God is that a man and a woman who are married are one flesh. It is meant to be true in their educational focus as well. A man well-instructed in the ways of wisdom will seek out a wife who is herself wise to God.

Raising children is challenging. If a man and a woman do not know the statutes and rules of God but are committed to raising their children in them, their marriage is going to face challenges. Sons who fear the LORD and demonstrate this in everyday life are good for society and ripe for the marriage market.

Suggestions for prayer

Think of the young men and women in your family, or in your church, or around you at school and pray for wisdom in choosing a husband (or a wife). Husband and wife, continually pray for your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren that they may know and serve Jesus.

Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com