Read: Proverbs 22-24
Today’s proverbs have several things to say about raising children. The first one is to train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. “Train up” means to discipline your child in the right way so they won’t forget it when they become an old man. Sometimes waiting till they become an old man is exhausting but be encouraged that they will return.
The next verse about raising children is found in 22:15, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” The rod of instruction means a stick that has been taken off the tree to properly chastise, reprove, warn or instruct. Properly is the key word. To spank or reprove in anger is abuse. To wait until you are calm and can think clearly is the best time to discipline but there are times when discipline needs to be right then. Pray first then discipline and afterwards pray with the child. This is a great way to teach them repentance because we don’t just sin against their brother or sister or mommy but against the Lord first.
Proverbs 23:13-14 says it best: “Withhold not correction from the child; for it your beat him with the rod, he shall not die; You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.” This one should give parents a sigh of relief if they were afraid spanking was too harsh. Who doesn’t want to deliver their children from hell!
Lord, thank you that you discipline us with your rod of reproof. Never give up on us.
No comments:
Post a Comment