“The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.” Proverbs 12:5 

One of the more controversial issues today is the subject of counsel. It is estimated that nearly 85% of all counseling deals directly with the issues of marriage and relationships in general.

There are three specific areas related to counsel:

• Why do we need counsel
• Who should give us counsel
• How should counsel be given

Why do we need counsel?

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

Several years ago, I was invited to a special early morning talk on the principles of “successful business management.” The speaker was Truitt Cathy, founder of the “Chic-fil-a” Restaurant chain – a “self-made” millionaire and my sons Sunday School teacher.

You could feel the anticipation building as young men and women scurried to find their seats. Each person steeled themselves with disciplined attention toward the one who was about to give them sound business counsel.

“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding.” Proverbs 3:3

I am not very good at presenting flowery and long winded prose. I am a straight forward kind of man. I believe most men appreciate this trait in a fellow. So, I will look you right in the eye and talk straight about the many issues relating to “fathering your family.”

Fathering a large blended family for nearly three decades has given me some unique insight into the issues all dads are facing. In short order, I am listing the most problematic areas you will face actively “fathering your family.” They are: