Proverbs 24:3 “…by wisdom a house is built.” One of my favorite questions to ask men when I speak at a conference is, “What is wisdom?” I often get the same handful of replies: Knowledge. Experience. Age. Knowledge “applied” (one guy always yells “applied,” like he just trumped the dude who said knowledge). All of these can contribute to the gaining of wisdom, but none are sufficient definitions. Wisdom is alignment with God. How God thinks. What actions He would take. What He values. When my mind is fully aligned with His, I’m wise. My actions, words, beliefs, and priorities are as wise as they are aligned to God. As dads, we are building spiritual “houses.” A clear understanding of what wisdom is (and what it’s not), is the foundation we lay under that house. Go hew out your pillars today, wisely.

Knowing how to have the talk with your kids can seem daunting. But, it doesn’t have to feel that way. In one sense, there’s nothing no under the sun. The battle of temptation is as old as time. On the other hand, access to illicit material is much easier in our kid’s time than when we were growing up.

That said, there’s a lot of questions and concerns around this topic for dads. Can I say too much too soon? When’s the best time to talk about this stuff? Won’t someone else do it? As a dad, you need to be ready for this on many levels. Here are three rules for how to have the talk with your kids.

Four ways I became “wiser” in the last week:

1) My wife shared with me that lately, I’ve had moments when I was a jerk. I spoke harshly, disregarded the needs of those around me, and was rude. She spoke wisdom into my life. It wasn’t easy to hear but was needed. Injections of wisdom might sting a little.

2) I learned that chipmunks in Colorado will actually walk onto a six-year-old’s head if you carefully place a kernel of corn there. Corny, but true.

3) I realized that sometimes, in an effort to be helpful, I’m actually making things worse. My 19-year-old son shared that little gem with me. He was right.

4) God gives me strength and power when I’m weary and want to faint. Isaiah 40:28-31. I already knew that, but it was a timely reminder.

Snag some wisdom. One of the key ways we gain wisdom is by knowing God’s Word. If you have five more minutes, go check out this list of scriptures on wisdom. I hope it’s helpful! Pick one verse that resonates with you and share it with your wife and kids this week, o’ wise one.

Make it a great week,

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.