Proverbs 19:18: Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.
Insight
Start with your discipline when the children are young. Don’t wait until it is too late. Don’t mind if little Willie cries when you paddle him. On the other hand, every father needs to be very careful in the way he deals with his child. No one has the right to be brutal in his dealings with his children. Don’t be afraid to discipline, but a brutal punishment is not to be permitted. Brutality can only tear down the child and destroy his spirit. God tells children to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1). But then he says to the fathers, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath …” (Eph. 6:4). Don’t wade into them when you are angry. They know you are angry and that you are just venting your anger and frustration. At that time you will probably punish too hard—in fact, you can be brutal. The command is to bring them up in the “… nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), that is, the discipline and the instruction of the Lord. 1
Application
Hebrews 12:5–8 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens.
Do you welcome the discipling of the Lord in your own life? Discipline your children just as the Lord disciplines you, with mercy, clarity, kindness, and purpose. Seek forgiveness if you have been angry or harsh. Be accountable to your spouse.
Motivation
Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. Proverbs 29:17
Godly discipline leads to godly living. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for the way that You lovingly correct me, to protect me.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
