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STUDY 176

Text: Proverbs 17
7 November 2004

Dear Parents,

THE PLACE OF REBUKE
What is the place of “rebuke” in our work of parenting? We want to avoid two extremes.

1. No rebuke whatsoever

There are some who say that they do not believe in rebuke at all! They argue that by pure reasoning alone, they can get their children to obey.

2. Constant rebuke (nagging)

The other extreme is that of constantly nagging our children. The tendency of nagging our children on every little wrong they do is a very real danger.

THE BIBLICAL APPROACH
Let us consider this word from the following text. Let us be guided by this challenging proverb.

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man,
Than a hundred blows on a fool.

Proverbs 17:10

1. Much depends on what our children are like!

a) Are they “wise?”

If our children have been taught to love and appreciate wisdom, they will understand the value of words of rebuke.

b) Are they “foolish?”

If our children are inclined towards rebellion, then we will have an uphill struggle even when we try to correct them.

2. Do we resort to using “force?”

This text warns us that using force will not necessarily result in causing our children to improve in their behaviour! Give “a hundred blows” to a foolish person and he will still not learn anything from the punishment!

AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION
Let us be challenged to learn that the use of rebuke is limited in its value! It is not without value, but it is really rather limited in its efficacy.

The greater challenge is to teach our children how to be inclined towards wisdom. Even the wise makes mistakes and they need to be rebuked. However, when they are chastened, they will learn from their mistakes. They will heed the words of admonition. They will learn well from their mistakes!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie