Proverbs 23:13-14 — Wise Saying #13

READ THIS: Proverbs 23:13, Wise Saying #13

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. 14 Punish them with the rod and save them from death.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

When’s the last time your parents had to punish you for doing something you shouldn’t have? Sometimes, we can look at our mistakes and understand where our parents are coming from. Other times, we find ourselves frustrated with them because “they just don’t get it” or their punishments are way too harsh… but when’s the last time you thanked your parents for punishing you? I don’t think I can think of a single time I have!

This passage teaches us that good parents, meaning parents that will point their children toward Jesus, are encouraged by God’s Word to discipline their kids! But why? Well, the Bible puts it bluntly… a child who goes their whole life without punishment walks down a road that leads to death. We can certainly think about this in the context of today. Would you rather be grounded for trying to sneak out of the house or find yourself in serious danger because something happens while you’re sneaking out of the house?

Sometimes, punishment feels pointless. Sometimes, we think we learned the valuable lesson the moment we got in trouble. But discipline is a crucial reminder to all of us that mistakes always come with consequences! A good parent teaches that lesson to their kids, just like God, our Heavenly Father teaches that to us.

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Is it possible to love your kid like God does and never punish them, even if they do something wrong? Why or why not?

2. God is our ultimate parent, right? Why do you think He created consequences? What was/is He trying to teach us?
 
TRY THIS:

You probably saw this coming… the next time you find yourself in trouble with your parents, take a second to thank them for caring for you, even through discipline! And no… you can’t say that sarcastically… that’s how you end up grounded for longer.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2023 at 5:22 AM

    Discipline is to teach us a better way-it’s not just about punishment. I remember when I was little I stole bubblegum from the store. My consequence was that I had to take it back and apologize to Mr Delapeña. That was worse than any spanking!!! Never did that again. Consequences do work!

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