Proverbs 23:13-16 says,...

Today's verses are Proverbs 23:13-16, which read,

v.13, 14 - Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.  You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.

First off, a hot topic in some circles.  How do we discipline our children?  Take note here that discipline with the rod is not the only type of discipline but it is mentioned in the Bible as a type used to direct the child back to the right direction.  Personally, there were very few times when we had to spank our children.  It was the discipline of last resort for us.  Sometimes it was necessary and even though it was very hard for us it was done in a way that the child was not going to die for using it.  Many principles and procedures should be put in place for the parent that guide and direct any type of discipline for our children and thinking of them should never leave our minds.

The point here is that discipline, whatever type, is needed and withholding it is withholding love from that child from their parent.  As parents, our children's spiritual lives are to be attended to.  They have to come to Christ and answer His call but we are to point them in that direction and protect them while they are with us from the evil of this world.  We will have a part in holding back Satan's full on attack by showing our children Jesus through our lives by word and deed.  We are placed in their lives to see what they don't see at the moment and make corrections in course now while they are in our care.  Being a parent is more than just food, clothing, and shelter in God's book.

v.15, 16 - My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; and my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

It is like the proverb now has switched to speaking to the child from speaking to the parent.  The child is instructed that when they do what is wise it brings gladness and rejoicing to the parent.  The child wants to please the parent and what better way than following wisdom and speaking words that are righteous and holy.  Many times we rejoice over the accomplishments of our children and in which we should but make sure to let them know even more when they do something that holds up the attributes of God.  

Anna was a great soccer player in high school and went on to play a couple years in college.  I loved going to her games and cheering our little, too short goalie who stopped almost everything that was coming at her.  She would sacrifice her body for the team and the game.  She was a role model to her team of hustle and commitment to playing well.  Her coaches loved her for being the type of player she was.  For all of that I rejoiced and I let her know how well she was doing.  There is greater praise to Anna for how she treated others on her team and the opposing team.  She showed great wisdom in leadership and love for others.  You could tell that she really cared about everybody on the field while playing hard at the game.  The game didn't take her over and change her character to cease following after the commandments to love God and love her neighbor.  High praise?  Yes, very high praise because as a parent that is what I know is needed in all of life.  The soccer days are well over except for possible coaching of her children when they get to the age of playing and I would love to be in on those huddles to hear from someone who loves the game but loves others more.  Can you tell that this parent's heart is glad and my inmost being is rejoicing?  Let us pray.

"Lord, today that focus in our children.  As parents help us to discipline them to keep on the straight and narrow.  Help us to discipline ourselves to administer discipline when necessary in a way that is not out of Your guidance and instruction.  Also help us to praise our children over those things that are eternal and help them to hear from us what really makes our hearts full.  The games and the recitals are nice but acts of wisdom are so much greater.  Amen."

Pastor Adam