Proverbs 29:17-20 says,...

Today's verses are Proverbs 29:17-20, which read,

v.17 - Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul.

Solomon keeps needed discipline before us.  As hard as it is to do this it needs to be done.  Don't neglect this needed element of a child's life is the wisdom of this proverb and many others.  The results are not only beneficial for the child but also brings comfort to you and delight for your soul.  This could be a sister verse to verse 15 which we looked at on Wednesday.  

To correct means that something has been done wrong or said wrong and the moral standard of God needs to be spoken.  It is backed up by your own example of following that moral standard of God.  May our children not only hear the words of God but may they see it in our lives consistently.

v.18 - Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.

Many versions of the Bible say it this way, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."  Why do they perish or why are they unrestrained?  It is because the people are not following after the words and ways of the Lord.  They are not keeping the law of God and therefore they commit sins against Him and upon one another.  Our vision is of Him who gave us His Son, Jesus Christ and our following after Him with a restraint to do evil.  

This verse has been used lately when tragedy has hit our nation as a pick us back up and dust off the dirt quote implied in slogans like "Boston Strong" or put in the latest city.  The message is that we can overcome and rebuild what was lost.  But the verse is talking about a vision that is focused on God and not ourselves.  The verse is saying the solution to the problem is not to pump ourselves up about how great we are but to look at God and follow after how great He is.  Our happiness comes when we are following after Him and our vision is followed by obedience.  

v.19 - A slave will not be instructed by words alone; for though he understands, there will be no response.

There are people who can hear the message and also understand the message evidenced by saying it back to you word for word but they don't respond in obedience to the message.  I see this all the time.  People agree with what is in the Bible and actually can quote the verse that applies but when it comes to follow through that is where the energy dies.  They not only need words but they need a change of heart that only God can do to be transformed from a non responder to a responder of active wisdom.

Our instruction is commanded of us to convey.  Words do need to be applied and our faithful example is also a commanded.  So we should be throwing at the world our words and deeds that line up with each other but the actual change is going to come from God opening up their eyes to the truth.  Something supernatural has to happen that we do not have control over.  We are to be obedient even if it comes or not, in our lifetime or after we are gone.  

v.20 - Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.

​Let's take a look again at Proverbs 10:19 which reads,

"When there are many words; sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent."

To be wise is to hold your tongue at times.  You may have the answer but it might not be the time to say it.  You may try to convince someone else of how important you must be by giving long drawn out answers to anything in life but most likely you will start talking about things that you really don't know.  You will be making up stuff and then venturing into the area of lying.  You will lack the prayer and compassion needed for the situation because you are formulating what you are going to say next to make yourself look like the one who has it all together and therefore the sin of pride has emerged.  While you are talking and talking you are digging and digging a deeper hole of sin.  

Psalm 39:1 is a great cross reference for it says,...

I said, "I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence."

We need to stop and listen and especially to take the time to listen to God.  He may have us speak in the situation but may it be His words and in His way and His timing rather than us puffing up our chests of pride to say the answer quickly that shows others how great we are.  A prideful Christian has a hard time seeing that they need to be humble.  Let us pray.

"Lord, thank You for some great proverbs today.  May we see how important discipline is to those under our care.  May our vision be on You so that our actions are restrained toward displaying Your holiness.  May we be people of word and deed and may they both bring glory to You.  May we listen, listen, and listen and then speak when You direct us to so we can give You all the glory for what is said.  Amen."

Pastor Adam