Proverbs 23:13-14 “13 Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. 14 You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.
PROPER DISCIPLINE
Before you stop reading, hang on. I am NOT advocating beating your children. I have worked with children since 1979, so I would never tell you to abuse your child by beating them with a rod. That Hebrew word could also be translated as “club.” Don’t use that either! Lol
Neither is Solomon saying to club your child. What he is saying is that an undisciplined child is headed to no good. I am reminded of Hebrews 12:11 “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” No one likes to be disciplined, and parents should not enjoy disciplining their child. But to be good parents we must correct them when they have willfully disobeyed us or God.
TEACHING MOMENT
This is a perfect verse to share with your children when you have to discipline them. They need to understand that, just as the Lord disciplines us, we must discipline them. They need to know that by doing that we are showing our love to them. Now I promise you that little Gertrude or Elrod are not going to believe you. They do not want to be disciplined. But I also promise you that later on, they will appreciate it.
Children thrive in a disciplined environment where they know the boundaries. They feel safe knowing Mom or Dad are watching out for them to keep them in line. A child who does not have any rules applied to them will choose the easy way every time, thus not learning those life lessons so necessary for success as an adult.
Do the world a favor. Discipline your child. Seek advice from other parents or a child specialist. But whatever you do, do not “spare the rod.” You need to find whatever method of discipline works best for your child and be consistent with it.
A Moment In Time 