My Son, Keep Thy Father’s Commandment – Sunday, June 15, 1941
Perhaps the fathers of men have not been as much talked of as the mothers of men, because in the manner of our living they do not appear to be so constant a factor in the molding of lives and the shaping of destinies. But to say which is greater, the influence of a good father or a good mother, would be to set out upon an argument that has no conclusion except to admit that both are inestimable.
The good name of a worthy father, the physical heritage of a virtuous father, the inspiriting example of an honorable father, constitute a legacy for which no one can express sufficient gratitude, except by passing on like heritage to another generation. But it has long been apparent that one of the grave weaknesses of our way of life, with its struggle for social and material success, is that too many fathers and too many sons have been strangers to each other in the matter of affectionate companionship and close understanding. The relentless pressure of “trying to get somewhere” has cost countless fathers and sons one of the most satisfying associations that the Creator has made possible to men, and the leaving of our sons from the shelter of those homes we have labored so hard to make for them, has its effect in bringing to us a realization of this loss and this neglect. And so, if we could speak for the fathers of America a message that should often have been spoken before, it would be to remind their sons that they are the same men whether at home or away from home and whatever enters into their personal lives will become everlastingly a part of them, for good or otherwise, wherever they are.
A man of honor does not change his code of honor with passing circumstances. A journey of miles, a new postal address, a college sweater, a military uniform, or surroundings removed from home ties, don’t alter the obligation to live with high principle. The son who honors his father is the boy who, away from home, proves to be as fine a man in his personal life as his father somehow hoped he would become.
The writer of Proverbs anciently spoke of these things when he said: “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.” (Proverbs 6:20-22) This is the message of fathers to their sons today as it was the message of fathers many centuries ago, and the response our boys give to this appeal will be the measure of their love and their gratitude—no matter how far from home circumstances may take them.
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June 15, 1941
Broadcast Number 0,617