Day 28 — Listen to Your Father

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

— Proverbs 23:22 (BSB)

As guys get older, there’s often a time when they start to think their parents don’t know much. Dad just doesn’t get it. Mom’s so embarrassing. They’re too old-fashioned. I know better.

Maybe you’ve felt that way sometimes. It’s part of growing up to start thinking for yourself, and that’s good! But Proverbs gives a warning: “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

To despise means to look down on someone or treat them as if they don’t matter.

Your parents have lived a lot longer than you. They’ve made mistakes and learned from them. They’ve seen things you haven’t seen yet. They love you, and they want what’s best for you, even when their rules feel annoying.

Here’s what honoring your parents can look like for a guy your age:

• Listen when they talk to you. Put down the device and look at them.
• Obey without arguing or rolling your eyes.
• Help without being asked. Carry groceries, mow the lawn or take out the trash.
• Thank them for what they do.
• Talk to them. Tell them about your day. Ask for their advice.
• Respect them in front of your friends. Don’t make fun of them to look cool.

Some guys have a great relationship with their dad. Some guys’ dads are far away, gone or hard to get along with. Some guys live with their mom, a grandparent or another family member. Whoever is raising you, God has put them in your life, and He wants you to honor them.

And if a parent has really hurt you, God doesn’t ask you to pretend. You can be honest with Him about it. And if anyone at home is hurting you or making you feel unsafe, tell a trusted adult right away.

Here’s a secret: the way you treat your parents now is training for the kind of man you’ll become. A guy who honors his parents is learning to honor God, and to be a good husband and father someday.

Think about it: When is it hardest for you to listen to your parents? What is one thing you could do to honor them better?

Try this: Ask your dad, mom or whoever is raising you, “What’s one thing you’ve learned that you wish you’d known at my age?” Listen closely to the answer.

Dear God, thank You for the people who are raising me. Help me listen to them, respect them and honor them, even when I don’t agree. Help me learn from their wisdom. And bless my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.