I’m a writer; so, as you might expect, I really like words. That’s why I’m always quick to write down a great phrase or quote when I come across it. I’m always looking for some catchy saying that I can use in an article or lesson somewhere down the road, but I also need nuggets of wisdom that will make my own life better.

One area I’ve focused on over the years is godly father quotes. Even though my kids are all “adulting” these days, I’m still learning and growing as a dad (and grandad). So, finding great quotes about being a godly father is important to me. 

Words Matter

Godly father quotes can come from any number of sources. You might find one in a great fatherhood book. You could also come across something special in a Bible study or fatherhood resource. Or maybe your pastor’s sermon reveals a fatherhood gem that’s worth writing down. Where you find the quote isn’t really as important as figuring out the best way to weave its truth into your life. Without that, godly father quotes are just words on a page.

In the list below, I’m offering 10 fatherhood quotes that can resonate with godly dads. As you read through the list pick out a few to really focus on. Write them on an index card to carry in your pocket or on a sticky note that you can put on your computer. Above all, listen for God’s voice in the words of others. 

God is the archetypal Father; all other fatherhood is a more or less imperfect copy of his perfect fatherhood.

— F.F. Bruce, Scottish Bible scholar and writer

What I love about this godly father quote is the word “imperfect.” God sets the standard for fatherhood, but no human can ever live up to it completely. Yet, with His help, we can do our best and accept His grace when we fall short.

All great change in America begins at the dinner table.

—Ronald Reagan, Former U.S. President

So, this isn’t a deep religious quote, but it reminds godly fathers that connections are incredibly important to our jobs as dads. The time you invest talking with your kids and getting to know their world will transform them . . . which has the potential to transform culture.

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

—Henry Ward Beecher, American Congregationalist pastor 

Loving your wife doesn’t just build her up. It teaches your children lessons that will last a lifetime. Boys learn what it means to love and respect women, while girls learn to avoid settling for “less than” in the guys they date and marry. Even if you’re divorced, you can still teach your children about godly relationships by showing their mom the honor and respect she deserves.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

—Proverbs 22:6

Fatherhood comes with no guarantees, except this: The only way to make sure your children grow in their faith is to expose them to faith regularly. If you don’t intentionally talk with them about God and His ways, they might find the path to faith on their own. But the chances are slim, and it’s just not worth the risk.

Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.

—Charles H. Spurgeon, British Baptist pastor

Great godly father quotes are built upon the truth of Scripture, and this one is a literal example. Building on the principles of Proverbs 22:6, Spurgeon reminds us that hypocrisy is the best way to short circuit a kid’s spiritual journey. “Do as I say” has to be complemented with “Do as I do.”

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.

—George Herbert, Anglican priest and poet 

If you ever wonder if your job as a dad is important, refer back to this godly father quote often. Mentors and outside influences play an important role in the life of your child, but you’ll always make the biggest impact. If you are there for your sons and daughters, their lives will never be the same.

Fathering is a marathon—a long and often trying journey—and we must be disciplined if we hope to finish successfully.

—Ken Canfield, National Center for Fatherhood

In a world that seeks immediate gratification, we might wish fatherhood was a sprint. But godly dads know that they’re in it for the long haul. The road is long. Stretches can be exhausting. You might even hit a “wall” at some point. But the reward at the end of a race run well is more precious than words can express.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

—Psalm 127:3. 

Among the best godly fatherhood quotes in Scripture, this one reminds us that being a dad is a good gift from a good God. Yes, it comes with challenges, and sometimes we all feel like we’re in over our heads. But God knew what He was doing when He put our kids in our homes. They are a blessing, as well as a responsibility.

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.

—Billy Graham, American evangelist and writer

Every engine has some small piece that is absolutely necessary for the whole machine to run right. In our bodies, some of the most important parts are things we never give a second thought. Likewise, godly fatherhood may not grab headlines, but its absence carries devastating consequences. You may never get famous being a dad, but that doesn’t mean you’re unimportant.

When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son.

—The Talmud, an ancient Jewish book of laws about life and faith

One thing most godly father quotes have in common is a focus on legacy. Everything you do as a dad is building toward the future. The greatest impact you can have on those upcoming generations is to be a wise steward of the current generation. That’s the way you build something that will outlive you.

Keep Digging

Of course, this list of godly dad quotes is only scratching the surface. As mentioned, you can find great fatherhood quotes in so many places. When you come across something that connects with you, write it down. As you’re reading and studying, make a list of new quotes that make a difference in your life. 

And, again, make sure you think through ways you can apply these words to your life. If you keep digging, you’ll find some jewels. Let them shine in your life!

Not sure where you’re headed as a Godly Father? Take the Godly Dad Quiz to see now.