Proverbs: 29:15,17 “15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.”

OUT OF CONTROL

How many times have you seen it? Little Gertrude or Elrod are in the shopping cart in the check out line with Mom. They see candy in that rack by the register (I think the people who set those up right there are spawns of Satan tempting all of us, lol) and they start pitching a fit to have that piece of candy. Mom gives in to calm the child and bam – the child has gotten his/her way. Chalk one up for Junior.

This verse is even stronger than it seems at first glance. The word “rod” can be translated as club or staff. In other words, spanking is not a problem. Reproof and correction is honored. Children who get their own way bring shame to their parents. But when they are corrected it says that bring comfort to their parents’ soul. I just love that picture.

TEACHING MOMENT

How are you disciplining your child? Are you letting them “get by” with stuff because they are just so darned cute? Are you jumping through hoops to keep them happy? Are they controlling the household by their fits? I have seen that way too many times. I’ve seen parents stay up until the child decided to fall asleep at 1 or 2 in the morning. Never mind that Mom or Dad has to get up to go to work at 6 a.m. As long as Junior is happy! Right!

Don’t take this as my advice. This is right from God’s Word. He is our heavenly Father and only wants what is best for His children, including your children. Trust Him to direct you to discipline your children according to His Word. Let His Word guide you as you discover what works best for your child. But whatever you do, be the adult. Set the rules. Establish the guidelines in your home that God would want you to have. In that you please Him.