Shame vs Delight

"The rod and reproof give discipline, 

but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."

Proverbs 29:15

" Discipline your son and he will give you rest; 

he will give delight to your heart."

Proverbs 29:19

It is totally unnecessary to explain these verses and many others like them in the Proverbs.  They are self-explanatory and need no interpretation--only application.  "The rod of education on the seat of learning" is often encouraged in this book of wisdom.  

What a contrast in these two verses!  It seems so obvious what the right choice is.  And yes, as parents a choice must be made, and early on, if we want a child who gives us rest and brings us delight.  And what parent doesn't?

Two things are encouraged in these verses--the rod and reproof.  I believe that one without the other can be very damaging to a child.  We don't spank a child and leave him to wonder what he did wrong.  Neither do we reprove ("cast blame; censure for a fault"--Webster) without proper punishment.  Just yelling at a child only provokes him to anger or discourages him and gives no real guidance.  God has given us wonderful direction; let's take it!  Loving discipline consists of both the rod and reproof.

 

Children, when your parents correct you on God's terms, remember that their goal is to delight in you as a godly child and someday a godly and obedient man or woman.  Loving and godly parents will correct their children, and someday you will thank them.  Really!

 

Thanking God for the loving discipline of my parents,

Gloria

Today I am linking to Prairie Flower Farm's Blog Hop Wednesday
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