Notice the verse indicates that it is possible to be a righteous man. In other words, men, a life of integrity, character, and moral purity is attainable. The word for "righteous" here can mean blameless or just. Solomon is letting men know that righteousness is within our reach if we look to the Lord. Righteousness is possible!

Also, notice the verse indicates that it is profitable to be a righteous man. Notice the next statement in the verse: how blessed are his sons after him! The children of righteous men are blessed. The word here for "blessed" can mean happiness, joy, or favor. Solomon is communicating here the invaluable profit of a godly heritage. What a glorious hope!

Let me share with you a few valuable lessons that I am grateful to report were taught to me by my father, Gary Morton. Quite frankly, my father is a champion Dad. However, he didn't become a champion overnight. And he didn't become a champion because he did one major thing here or there during my childhood. Instead, he committed himself to practicing righteousness-the things listed below-on a daily basis. And as a result, his two sons have been abundantly blessed.

First, Dad, please be the spiritual leader in our home. Dads, we need you to step up and provide the leadership that Scripture demands and your family deserves. It is not Mom's responsibility to get us ready on Sunday mornings and drag us to church. We need you to set the tone for our home, Dad. We need you to read us Scripture. We need you to pray aloud for us so we can be encouraged and protected by your personal walk with God. We need you to model a godly example for us, Dad. If for no other reason, you are shaping our view of the Heavenly Father. You have what it takes, Dad. So do it. Step up, and be the leader we need.

Second, Dad, please love our Mother. Show us how women should be treated. Dad, we need you to love our Moms like Christ loved the church-unfailing, unconditionally, and with all of your heart. Little boys need to see you do this, Dad, so that they know women are not like property to be owned, but rather partners to be treasured. Little girls need to see this, too, so they will not settle for anything less than a man of dignity and character as they deserve. Please, love our Mom. Show her affection. Take her on dates. Spend time with her. It will bless her (and us, too)!

Third, Dad, please take us and show us manly things. Dad, just as there are certain things that only Mom can show us, there are also numerous things that only you can show us, too. So Dad, would you please invite us along to share in your hobbies? Take us hunting, or fishing, or to the golf course. Take us for a ride on your motorcycle. Show us what you read. Show us your computer. Teach us about cars, and politics, and faith. Show us things that you know about, Dad. If you don't, who will? How else are we supposed to learn? The truth is, Dad, we just want to spend quality time with you. It doesn't matter what we do. We just want to be with you.

Fourth, Dad, please come to our events, games, recitals, plays, and concerts. Dad, you will never know how much it blesses us and motivates us to see you wide-eyed and supportive out in the audience. You energize us, Dad. You move us. Something in us reaches deeper for more, like we are trying harder, whenever we know we are pleasing you, Dad. All we want is you to be proud of us. So Dad, please remember this: your presence in our lives speaks volumes. In fact, Dad, sometimes what you do matters far more than what you say. Please, Dad, be there for the significant moments in our life.

Finally, Dad, please be consistent. Not perfect, just consistent. Dad, we know you aren't perfect. Neither are we (obviously). And Dad, we are not asking for you to even try and be perfect. All we're asking is that you seek consistency. Basically, Dad, just please try and lead our family, love our Mom, take us places with you, and be there for our significant moments. Of course, Dad, you are going to make mistakes. But we will give you grace unimaginable if we simply see you trying your hardest and striving for consistency. The truth is this, Dad: we know when you are trying, and we know when you are not. For Christ's sake, Dad, just be consistent. We desperately need your steady presence in our lives.

And Dad, when you fail, please remember one more thing: Jesus loves you, Jesus cares about you, and Jesus will always help you improve as a father if you look to him for strength and guidance. And even on those days when you feel defeated and incompetent, remember Jesus has already picked up the slack.

On a deeply personal note, I became a father on August 17 of last year. It was a day I will never forget. Zeke Morton, my one and only son, came into my life at precisely 4:14 that extraordinary afternoon. Therefore, I want to keep the Proverbs 20:7 blessing flowing in our family. I am blessed because of God's grace through my earthly father. Early on, Gary Morton committed himself to a lifestyle of righteousness and integrity. And yes, my brother and I will be forever grateful. I've spent 27 years being a blessed son. And now, by God's grace, I hope to spend the rest of my days being a righteous father. Please help me, Jesus.