Biblical Discipline Brings Delight
January 21, 2020
Commentary
The servants of a ruler are apt to become like the ruler and follow his example. If he prefers falsehood to truth, then his servants and those around him will be encouraged to become liars also (v. 12). As we read history and even today we can see this happen so often in government. The Lord gives sight to all men, rich and poor alike (vv. 13-14). The moneylender might have superior economic power to oppress the poor but he needs to remember that they both meet under the watchful eye of the Lord. God blesses those who are thoughtful of those who are weak and less fortunate than they are.
The child who is never disciplined and allowed to do what he wants to do will bring shame to his mother and ruin himself (v. 15). When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases (v. 16). Contrary to what today’s society may tell us, proper discipline includes both verbal instruction and spankings. Failure to do so produces a child and in turn a society that is overrun by the wicked who feel they can practice all kinds of evil without punishment. On the other hand, following the Biblical principles of discipline will produce children who will bring delight to their parents (v. 17).
Without God’s Word people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways (v. 18). The word “perish” means to run wild. On the other hand keeping God’s law brings happiness. Lack of vision results in a cold, dry, theological, or philosophical treatment of the Scriptures which is given to touch the intellect rather than the heart and the conscience.
Application
Lack of proper discipline in early life produces many problems in later life. I don’t feel that I had the discipline that I needed when I was a child and because of it I have had to learn some hard lessons. I’m thankful that early in our married life we head Dr Bill Rice teach on both the necessity and how to spank our children.
Proverbs 29:12– 18 (NET)
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked.
13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of them both.
14 If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be established forever.
15 A rod and reproof impart wisdom, but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest; he will bring you happiness.
18 When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!
Illustration: A Little Boy Who Pitched a Fit in The Store
A mother and her daughter were shopping for father’s day when a little boy pitched a fit in the store, fell on the floor, and kicked his mother as she begged him to get up. Seeing that as a teachable moment, the mother said to her daughter, “Do you know what that boy needs?” (She expected her to say a good spanking.) Her daughter answered, “He needs a good mother and daddy. (Bob Marcaurelle – Sermon Central).