Proverbs 29 - 7.8.24
Scripture
Proverbs 29:15 & 17 NLT
15 “To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.”
17 “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.”
Observation
In this proverb, King Solomon speaks of the importance of disciplining our children because it produces wisdom. True wisdom comes from God and if a child is living a godly, disciplined life, a parent can have peace of mind knowing that their child will be blessed with God’s favor and protection.
“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.” -Proverbs 3:13-18
However, if that child is undisciplined, not only do they bring troubles and misfortune their way, but they bring disgrace to their parents who raised them.
Application
Discipline out of love, not anger.
The part in the verse that really stood out to me was the part where it talked about how a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. I mean, we’ve all seen it. Whether we’re at a mall, restaurant, or a movie theater, we’ve all seen that out of control, undisciplined child throwing a fit and having a tantrum when things don’t go their way. They are usually loud and obnoxious, running and screaming down the aisles and creating a scene. While this is happening, everyone else is thinking, “whose kid is this?!”
Now I hate to admit it, but I was a parent to one of those kids. It was when one of my daughters was a toddler playing at the mall playground, and she had a total meltdown. Other parents were looking and staring, while I had to embarrassingly grab her and bring her to the bathroom. It was then that I had to discipline her to correct her bad behavior. But, that moment helped her realize that there was a certain standard that I had set for her to live by. If she couldn’t meet that standard, there would be consequences. Needless to say, she never had another meltdown like that again, as she learned from her mistake.
The same goes with us and our relationship with God. God creates His standards that we should try to live by. If we mess up, (which all of us have done), there is usually some sort of discipline or consequence we receive because of it. But, we are ALWAYS met with God’s grace, mercy, and love. The key for us as His children is to repent/learn from our mistakes and to try not do them again. If we don’t, we know discipline is around the corner and we know God disciplines those He loves. I mean, what kind of parent just lets their kids go off in this world to do anything they want, whenever they want?! Obviously, a parent who doesn’t care. But God cares. He loves us. God is our Heavenly Father. We are His children. We carry His family name as Christ Followers and should want to make Him proud with everything we do. 😊
“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”-Hebrews 12:5-6
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Forgive me for the times I fall short to Your standards. And even though it may bring me discomfort, thank You for Your discipline when I do mess up. Because I know You do it out of love. You don’t want me to go down a path that leads to darkness that leads death. You correct me to put me back on the path that leads to life. Help me to stay on course. Give me a heart that wants to please You and make You proud. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi