Loving Discipline

Read Proverbs 29

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.

Proverbs 29:17

What a very simple statement, yet how many parents fail to put it into practice. Afraid of being politically incorrect, or hurting their little child’s psyche, or wanting to be best buddies with their child, too many parents are bypassing the command to discipline their children. Then they wonder why their kids give them nothing but unhappiness, fear, and worry.

Of course, the word discipline needs to be understood. Many parents either threaten but never follow through or are too harsh. Wise parents will discipline their children wisely. They will let the punishment “fit the crime.” They will follow through consistently. They will also show love.

Does this guarantee happiness and peace of mind? The proverb tells us that this will be the general case. There will probably still be times of sadness and worry—for that is part of life. But parents who have wisely disciplined their children will find their efforts well rewarded.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Disciplining kids is worth the effort.

Lord, show me how to be wise when I have to discipline my children. Show me how to help them know my love for them even as I teach them how to act appropriately.