12-16: Apply your heart unto instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. Do not withhold correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die. You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell. My son, if your heart is wise, indeed my own heart shall rejoice. Yes, my inmost being shall rejoice when your lips speak right things.

Here are words that are completely contrary to the ways of the world we live in. Let’s look and see not what man says or thinks, but what God knows is best. First of all, we have a father at the forefront again. He wants his son to attend to the words of knowledge; not so that he will simply hear them, but that he will apply his heart to them. All of us know that it does no good to merely hear something, unless we take it in, process what it means, and then make it a matter of personal application.

As parents, we love giving our children good things, but we really don’t enjoy the aspect of discipline. However, it too is a good thing we are required to give. We are not to withhold it from them. If we withhold dessert from them, they won’t remember it a day later. If we withhold their favorite toy from them, eventually they’ll forget it. But if we withhold correction from our children, they will die. That is a very strong statement, but one God knew needed to be conveyed to us. First, we MUST remember that Biblical correction comes from a heart of love, not a heart of anger. It is given in order to teach and instruct, not to crush or wound. When correction is given with wisdom, with a desire for the good of our child and accompanied with prayer, it is a true blessing. Neither party ‘likes’ it or would willingly choose it, but it carries with it a great purpose. Ignoring sin and disobedience in our child will harm them; that is a guarantee. Ignoring what we know is wrong in our child will never cause them to respect us, nor will it give them a sense of worth. Children want to know that they are cared about enough to correct; that mom and dad are willing to take the time to do the hard stuff, and not just what comes easy. They know more than we often give them credit for….and they know when we are committed to their good.

And here too, we see another beautiful connection between a parent and child. Is there anything that can give a mom or dad’s heart greater joy than to know that their children walk in the truth? (3 John 4). There isn’t. So listen mom; listen dad…when we have put in the tough, agonizing, and persistent effort involved in guiding and disciplining our children, and we see the fruit of our children’s ‘wise heart’; our own heart shall rejoice to levels that surpass all words. There isn’t anything harder than being a parent; there isn’t any calling more important than shepherding the little hearts God has graciously given to us to raise for Him; and there isn’t anything that requires such intense commitment. But too, there isn’t anything better than to know that the God we worship is pleased with them. That is our joy.That will be worth every sacrifice, every tear, and every prayer we brought to God on their behalf.

For Today: Many around us don’t agree with Biblical training and discipline and instead elevate their child to a position where they are the ones in control. Instead, both the parents and the children are out of control, and there is no correct authority in the home. God has something to say about this as well.

Let not your heart envy sinners; but be zealous in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is a hereafter; and your hope shall not be cut off.

Thank you Father that you instruct us so well, that we may instruct our children well.