The Rod and Reproof Bring Wisdom
July 4, 2022
Commentary
An undisciplined child will bring shame to his mother and ruin to himself (v. 15). When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases (v. 16). Proper discipline includes both verbal instruction and spankings. Failure to discipline results in a society overrun with wickedness and lacking in fear of punishment. 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). Keeping God’s law brings happiness. Lack of vision results in a cold, dry, theological, philosophical treatment of the Scriptures which is given to touch the intellect rather than the heart and the conscience. It is important to use the rod and reproof when children are young and forming both character and habits for life (v. 19). If they are not corrected when they are young, verbal correction will accomplish very little when they become older.
There is more hope for a fool than there is for an insensitive person because an insensitive person hurts himself and others (v. 20). Failure to discipline a servant will bring grief. (v. 21). It is impossible to have a close relationship with the Lord with an angry spirit (v. 22). An angry person causes all kinds of strife and commits many sins. Pride only results in one being brought low (v. 23) while the humble will be elevated to a position of honor. It is a serious thing to partake in the sins of others. A man who forms a partnership with a thief despises his own life (v. 24). In court he must either lie or say nothing. If he testifies, he will implicate himself. If he says nothing, he will be assumed guilty (Lev. 5:1). The person who fears God will not fear man. The person who fears man will never fear God as he should (v. 25). Many seek the approval of men when God alone determines their destiny (v. 26). Good people and criminals can’t stand each other (v. 27).
Application
In my decisions and actions, do I find myself seeking the approval of man or God?
Proverbs 29:15– 27 (NET)
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!
19 A servant cannot be corrected by words, for although he understands, there is no answer.
20 You have seen someone who is hasty in his words — there is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If someone pampers his servant from youth, he will be a weakling in the end.
22 An angry person stirs up dissension, and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression.
23 A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.
24 Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy; he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk.
25 The fear of people becomes a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be set on high.
26 Many people seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one receives justice.
27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.
Illustration: Little Boy Fishing With a Tree Branch Pole
I’m amused by the story of the boy who was fishing on a stream when a group of teenagers arrived on the scene with their rods and reels and fancy flies. They thrashed the water as they joked and laughed casting and reeling in repeatedly but catching nothing. The boy sat intently watching the tip of his tree-branch pole. Every so often he pulled up a fish. Finally, one of the fellows shouted, “How do you do it? We’ve got special flies but we’re not catching anything!” The boy looked up long enough to reply, “I’m fishing for fish. You’re fishing for fun.” Maybe we need to become a little more focused in our attempts to reach people with the gospel. (Source Unknown).