This is not to suggest that the following are the only verses suitable for sons to know, nor that no one but sons can learn them. However, when I have contemplated what passages do I want to be a part of the absolute fabric of my sonsβs thinking, the following passages do occur to me.
Iβve pasted them below along with my translation of choice for that verse.
Genesis 4:7
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.β[1]
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.[2]
Matthew 5:27-28
You have heard that it was said, βYou shall not commit adultery.β But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.[3]
1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.[4]
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[5]
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.[6]
Job 31:1-4
I made a covenant with my eyes
not to look lustfully at a young woman.
For what is our lot from God above,
our heritage from the Almighty on high?
Is it not ruin for the wicked,
disaster for those who do wrong?
Does he not see my ways
and count my every step?[7]
[1] ESV
[2] WEBBE
[3] ESV
[4] NKJV
[5] NAL
[6] NIV84
[7] NIV