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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 223

STUDY 223

Text: Proverbs 19
2 October 2005

Dear Parents,

THE DEBATE CONCERNING “DISCIPLINE”
From time to time, the issue of “discipline” will come up in parenting work. There are many opinions. We need to avoid two extremes!

1. Harsh discipline

There are those who justify discipline by appealing to an adage, “Spare the rod and spoil the child”. They assume that this adage is the justification for employing the rod at all times!

2. No discipline

The swing of the pendulum ends with people who advocate no discipline whatsoever! They feel that children should never be disciplined lest they be scarred emotionally or psychologically!

Do the Scriptures advocate chastening? The simple fact is, “It does!” The Scriptures advocate chastening! The following text offers an interesting insight!

Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary;
Rebuke one who has understanding,
and he will discern knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25

A DIFFERENT WAY OF LOOKING AT THE QUESTION OF DISCIPLINE
This text offers valuable insight concerning how we may look at children. Two perspectives are offered.

1. The simple

There are some who just have to be described as “simple.” But even the very simple is not beyond teaching! He may have to learn the hard way, but he will be able to learn!

Sometimes, the means of learning may come through tough chastening measures. The simple may not learn till he either sees for himself how a scoffer is ultimately struck (physically), or he is personally hurt along the way!

2. The one who has understanding

Mercifully, there are those who “have understanding”. These learn faster and in better ways! A word of rebuke delivered would be sufficient to bring home the needed lesson! He will discern the intended lesson and go about heeding the message delivered!

THE CHALLENGE TO NOTE WHAT OUR CHILDREN ARE LIKE
Effective disciplinary measures require us to discern what our children are like! Discernment carefully applied brings forth the best results!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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