A Bold Reproof

People who wink at wrong cause trouble,

but a bold reproof promotes peace. Proverbs 10:10

WHEN WE READ THE WORDS “a bold reproof promotes peace,” we think, Well, evidently the writer of this proverb hasn’t spent any time at my house. When we refuse to wink at wrong and instead confront it, it sometimes results in yelling and tears, hard conversations and hurt feelings, costly consequences and slammed doors.

Sometimes we get weary of the battle, and the possibility of winking at wrong or simply closing our eyes to it starts to sound pretty good. Following through and going against the flow require so much consistent energy. Parenting would be a lot easier if we didn’t care so much, if we didn’t love so fiercely, if we were willing to let some issues go that really need to be addressed, if we just didn’t make a fuss about modesty or purity or kindness.

But we know that there is wisdom in this proverb pushing us toward bold reproof of wrong —disrespect and disregard of others, unkept promises and unfinished assignments, chasing after the world and caring nothing about holiness. We know that keeping the peace now may likely leave the door open for trouble later. And we know that a bold reproof now may result in a lifetime of peace for our children —peace with us; peace with other people, including a future spouse; and, most important, peace with God.

Lord, when I am weary of the battle and just want to retreat, give me the energy to engage. Give me the wisdom to know what I really should let go of and what I should address and keep addressing for ________’s good and for your glory. Protect me from wanting to be the cool parent in ways that make me hesitant to reprove. Give me the long view in parenting ________ so that I will have the will to take the hard steps now that will save ________ from heartache later.