“Oh, I wasn’t born yesterday. I know how this ends.” Sound familiar? As a dad, it’s easy to default to angry predictions instead of humble guidance. Do you walk around acting like a prophet or a parent? What if being right wasn’t the goal—what if the goal was raising godly kids who can see around corners for themselves. James 3:17 tells us at least three things about how we get real, godly wisdom.

#1 Pursue purity first. But the wisdom from above is first pure… Godly wisdom starts with purity—a heart set apart—one that loves God more than being right. Ask yourself: Am I motivated by love—or by anger or fear? Purity means your words aren’t about control but about care. It’s not about winning the moment—it’s about pointing your child to God. Do you want to love your kid or prove a point—most times those two things don’t go together.

#2 Pursue peace on purpose. …then peaceable, gentle, open to reason… Peace isn’t passive—it’s practiced. Are you gentle with your wife? Reasonable with your kids? Peace shows up when you care more about understanding than being heard. Gentleness means listening, not overpowering. It’s strength under control. You serve Jesus—so reflect Him at home by showing peace, gentleness, and truly listening to your family.

#3 Pursue mercy on purpose too. …full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Mercy shows up in how you correct—with love, not just lectures. Don’t be mistaken, mercy/good fruit/impartial/sincere—these things aren’t soft, spineless, or passive. The godly dad doesn’t just react—he teaches. Slow down, give grace, and lead on purpose. That’s how you leave a lasting mark. You give encouragement and life—not discouragement and death—to any conversation and any room you enter.

Helping Our Children See Around Corners: Fathers carry the gift of experience, enabling them to warn their children about life’s hidden dangers, but the way that wisdom is delivered makes all the difference.

Drawing from Solomon’s gentle, story-driven approach in Proverbs 7, dads are reminded to lead with relationship, communicate through relatable narratives, and clarify consequences without heavy-handedness.

Helping Our Kids See Around Corners: Ever tried to warn your kids about something and had them roll their eyes so hard it echoed? As dads, we’ve been down some rough roads—and part of our job is helping our kids avoid the same potholes. But how we offer that wisdom can make all the difference. Come on too strong and we sound like a lecture. Stay too quiet and we miss a chance to guide them. If you want to be heard and influential with your kids, this one’s for you.

John Stott: “The Christian’s responsibility is not to impose his personal opinions, but to live and speak with a wisdom that is peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.”

A.W. Tozer: “A wise man is not showy about his wisdom. He’s more interested in being right with God than being right with others.”

Influence unlocked. Your voice matters—not because it’s loud, but because it’s consistent, humble, and Spirit-led. You’re not called to predict disaster; you’re called to model grace. Don’t just correct—connect. Let purity shape your words, peace be found in your tone, and sincerity guide your influence.

Start a conversation this week—and really listen. Skip the “I told you so.” Godly wisdom starts with purity, produces peace, then mercy. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You may simply need to stop pointing your finger and start pointing to God. Less words + more listening = more influence.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

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.