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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 125

STUDY 125

Text: Proverbs 15
16 November 2003

Dear Parents,

CORRECTION OF OUR CHILDREN
One of the most difficult things to do is to administer discipline and correction to our children. There are so many different views and approaches. Each view seems to have its own set of defenders. How should we understand this difficult but most necessary teaching of discipline and correction of our children?

THE SCRIPTURES DO TEACH ABOUT THE MATTER OF CORRECTION
There are some who argue fiercely that children should never be punished. There are those who stand on the opposite side, arguing as vehemently that punishment must be administered. Let us consider the following words of wisdom from the Book of Proverbs.

Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,
And he who hates correction will die.

Proverbs 15:10

1. Administering discipline

Not all disciplinary measures need to be harsh! Let us consider some of the ways in which discipline may be administered:-

a) Guidance

Much of Proverbs is about guidance! Harsh discipline is NEVER the first or only option. Much wisdom may be imparted to children when parents guide them with the wisdom gained from the Scriptures.

b) Rebuke

The book of Proverbs also contains many words of rebuke for the slothful, the wicked, the foolish etc. These words may be used to guide erring children.

c) Harsh discipline

This is advocated only as a last resort. This kind of tough disciplinary action should be considered only if a child has actually forsaken all that is good and righteous!

2. The End Result in Mind

Parents must keep in mind the “end result” if a child is so rebellious, he forsakes the Lord and His ways. “Death” – spiritually (and possibly physically) may be the end result.

a) Correction is administered to prevent the child from an inevitable doom.

b) This word of wisdom must be put into the hearts of our children. They must know that if they persist in wrong doing, the end of the road would see them spiritually dead.

Let us keep praying for wisdom to discharge our parental responsibilities well!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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