FATHERS!

I’ve always been a bit miffed about it. Proverbs 31:10–31. The fact that it has been appropriated exclusively (and rightly, I grant) by women. What a terrific chapter of the Bible! But not for us 46XY-ers. (Or, for that matter, us singles.)

After all, the word that is translated “excellent” or “of noble character” (Proverbs 31:10, 29) is a masculine noun usually used to describe valor and might.

Through our God we shall do valiantly
And it is He
who will tread down our enemies.
Psalm 60:12

No question. However you translate it, valor and excellence and might and nobility, all cometh from the Lord. It is through His grace we are able to excel—both women and men. So just you wait. One of these days, I’m going to preach Proverbs 31 … to men! On Father’s Day. One way or another! (“Homiletical acrobatics” you could call it.)

All the good stuff in there about dependability, tenacity, loyalty, charity, capability, … I want to use some of that!
Oh, and that power-packed pronouncement on her comportment concerning coming days …

And she smiles at the future.
Proverbs 31:25

Isn’t that terrific! I love it!

But there’s no reason why all of those remarkable qualities should remain the exclusive domain of the other gender. Why, did King Lemuel (and/or his mother) think there weren’t any men around who exhibited these characteristics?

I know of one.

With a hearty interest in life. Devoted to family with intensity. Still carrying himself with dignity.

From playing cricket with his kids (and quite well, too, I might add) to meeting every need of his terminally ill wife in her last years, from leaving the comforts of homeland for places foreign in the late forties, to being the twenty-first century globetrotter that he is today, he has ever been the model of stability and solidity.

I speak of my father, of course.

Impeccable morality. Comfortable with frivolity. Thoroughness in practicality. Loves to laugh. Delights in banter. Quick to forgive. Tolerant of all.

Utter dependability. Sacrificial generosity. Exuding encouragement. Exhibiting contentment.

All with an eye on eternity. Like the other lady. For his future is secure.

For the Lord Himself
will descend from heaven …
and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain
will be caught up
together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air,
and so we shall
always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

It is not often we of the old school and old country talk about love. There’s nothing in Proverbs 31 about love either. But one does not doubt its pervasive presence in that chapter. So also in our home. Never a question. Never a moment to doubt this faithful man’s heart for his own. And without the blessings of his love, all of us (and I speak for family, near and extended) would be severely impoverished.

Every good thing given
and every perfect gift
is from above,
coming down from the Father ….
James 1:17

He is most certainly one of those gifts. And so we thank our Father for our father. Would you remember to do that for your own as well?

It says …

Her children [and grandchildren]
rise up and bless her …
Proverbs 31:28

We do, too. We bless you! We love you! Happy Father’s Day!