Blog 12-21-2011
Wednesday
PRaP 12-21-2011
“Wisdom” part 13 of 31
“Spare the rod spoil the child” Proverbs 13:24 is one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. There is nothing in that verse that even looks like it says this. Here let’s look at several versions of this scripture
NIV: Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
NAS: He who (A)withholds his [a]rod hates his son,
But he who loves him [b](B)disciplines him diligently
NLT: Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
KJV: He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
NKJ: He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Hmmmm, none of these versions say spare the rod spoil the child do they?
It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary. The greatest responsibility God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children. Lack of discipline puts parents love in question because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children. Disciplining children averts long range disaster. Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction to their lives. Don’t be afraid to discipline your children. It is an act of love. Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God’s wisdom above all else! Also this doesn’t give you permission to beat your children with a stick into submission either but a swat across the backside with an open hand can be used to get their attention if they are about to hurt themselves or someone else. Many parents out there beat themselves up because they have tried to discipline their children but their children didn’t accept the discipline. Don’t beat yourself up for their foolishness for it will only bring their own personal downfall in life. Stay true to God’s plan and it will go well with you. Continue to discipline them when they need it as God has told us to do and when they reach the age of accountability it will be upon their heads and not yours.
Peace and Agape Love,
Pastor Steve
