This week in Proverbs is about discipline. Discipline is necessary because our hearts are wicked and inclined in the wrong direction. Through discipline comes wisdom and from wisdom comes righteousness and peace. In all this we must remember that Christ is our wisdom and righteousness and the Bringer of Peace.

Proverbs 29:17

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart. 

Discipline or correct your child. Not only chastening (verse 15) is in view, but also active and positive instruction in wisdom. In the covenantal context of Israel’s faith, discipline and instruction come from the revelation of God in his word and acts.

Proverbs is forever a practical book that leads to wisdom that results in a life well-lived before a covenant God. What does your child see when he looks at you? Does he hear one thing and see another? If your child is to come to an established pattern of wise living, then the parent must be there already. 

Think about all the instructors of your child that are not seeking his or her welfare, but are seeking his or her allegiance. Those instructors sound wiser, more sophisticated, and a whole lot more fun than you. After all what do parents know? They don’t understand. Things are different now. 

The age old wisdom of Proverbs (the Bible) understood humanity then and understands humanity now. Biblical instruction demonstrated with everyday biblical behavior is a powerful antidote to the poisonous instruction of the world. 

As God works in the hearts of our children we come to that time of rest or comfort when the adult child has come to an established pattern of wise living, and we can settle in this joy [delight], the utter joy of seeing your child walk in wisdom (Kitchen).

Reflection for Today

Walking in wisdom is walking with Christ. How closely are you walking with Christ?