During our Bible study together this week, we have been reminded to be patient with the children God has placed in our lives instead of getting angry. This truth does not mean that children ought to go without discipline! In fact, discipline is critical for children to learn how to behave and treat others. Children who go without discipline face the consequences of going without said discipline for their entire lives. Because discipline is vital to raising children who honor and obey God, Scripture instructs us to discipline our children and lead them on the right path.
The writer of Proverbs 13 explains the importance of discipline when it comes to raising the children in our lives. He writes, "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children" (verse 24). This verse sounds very intense, but it serves as a strong reminder that sometimes, the loving thing to do for your child is to discipline them when they need to be corrected. Children need discipline in order to learn how to live (and how not to live) in a way that pleases God. Discipline will also rescue the children in our lives from future danger and bad decisions. Loving parents understand that there is a time for discipline. That is why the writer of Proverbs continues his teaching in Proverbs 13 by saying, "Those who love their children care enough to discipline" (verse 24). It is an act of love to discipline children when necessary.
Did you know that God also disciplines His children? Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." In His love and kindness, God disciplines us, His children, so that we will learn. Learning is one of the purposes of discipline, after all.
Discipline is not fun, but it is necessary. If we do not discipline the children in our lives when necessary, they will not learn that actions have consequences and that sinful behavior is displeasing to the Lord. May we commit to loving the children in our lives enough to discipline them.
Memorize Proverbs 13:24. Let this verse be a reminder to you of the importance of discipline when necessary. Commit to loving the children in your life enough to discipline them when discipline is needed. Thank God that He loves His children enough to discipline them.
1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2 Wise words will win you a good meal,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything.
4 Lazy people want much but get little,
but those who work hard will prosper.
5 The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.
7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won’t even get threatened.
9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10 Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.
11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from hard work grows over time.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.
14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15 A person with good sense is respected;
a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
16 Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
21 Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.
22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.
24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
