The rod and reproof give wisdom:
but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth:
but the righteous shall see their fall.
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest;
yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29 :15-17
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If a child is "left to himself," where is his training coming from? Obviously, in this case, mom and dad are not having a great impact on their child. The training must then be coming from society, most likely from the child's peers. Because "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child" (Proverbs 22:15), a child left to himself brings shame—he is bound to get into trouble if his training is haphazard or undirected, or if he is not drilled or disciplined. The flip side of this verse says, "But the rod of correction will drive it far from him." The rod symbolizes that someone has taken an interest in the outcome of this child's life. He is giving direction, correction, instruction, to steer this child where he is to go. The training, the teaching, makes all the difference in the world.
Written by Annie A.
Hi Annie
ReplyDeleteWhen we look at the world these days we see so much evidence of the parenting philosophy that keeps parents from directing because they do not "want to break a child's spirit."
Discipline can be done with love that a child can feel and which gives him confidence that he is really important enough for his parents to teach and guide him and provide stability with the rules.
Thanks and God bless.