Disciplined Wisdom

Read Proverbs 29

To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Proverbs 29:15

In today’s world, the lines between discipline and abuse have grown exceedingly blurry. Many parents, frightened to be labeled as abusers, have abandoned disciplining their children altogether. The message of the Bible offers us a different alternative.

A good model of discipline arises from Hebrews 12:6, which states, “The Lord disciplines those he loves.” Thus, love and wisdom are integrally tied to God’s discipline. God allows us to face some of the consequences of our sins. Through this painful process we begin to judge between good and evil on our own.

Likewise, we should discipline our children because we love them and want them to succeed. Success comes through self-discipline. If we truly desire our children to be self-disciplined adults, we must lovingly discipline them as children. Later they will be wise enough to avoid serious mistakes by first pondering the consequences of their actions on their own.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Parental discipline begins with self-discipline.

Lord, give me the strength to discipline my children in love and to accept your discipline myself.