Proverbs from A to Z - D

D is for Discipline - (meditation by Nila)

Source: betterwaymoms.com

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
Proverbs 29:17

 

 

Today, Nila [Nigh-la] LaDuke shares her thoughts on three proverbs about "discipline".

Opening thoughts on Discipline: At first glance this appears a basic truth. All humans must have rules and consequences to co-exist on this planet. Part of parental responsibility has to be to prepare a child for successful living. Part of the "delight" a parent feels is the satisfaction that their child is a respectable, functioning adult. In Solomon's time, children were second class citizens, as were women, but sons did take precedence (especially firstborns). A child's behavior reflected back on his family and his tribe. Parental "delight" was likely tied to tribal expectations.

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
Proverbs 29:17

Of course, this is a goal of most parents.  Parents of today are expected to administer consistent, fair, appropriate discipline (a “punishment fits the crime” approach) that is modeled after God’s disciplining of his children for their own good.  “Just” discipline can build self-esteem, trust and lead to self-discipline; the ultimate objective.  Parents must avoid verbally or physically abusive discipline.  The “delight” must be a sense of satisfaction that the child has achieved the goals; not a “delight” merely to assuage the pride or ego of the parent.

He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.
Proverbs 5:23

One of the benefits of consistent, caring discipline “for the child’s own good” is precisely that, a child is provided with a foundation of security and a sense of right and wrong.  Those parents who neglect to provide such guidance fail to equip their child for living in today’s world.  Children may naturally seek to rebel but ultimately need to have that foundation that discipline provides so they can make wise choices and survive with their soul intact.  “Folly” is usually a result of a lack of self-discipline or a feeling of worthlessness or confusion about right and wrong. “Folly” may be fun for a while, but eventually the consequences of one’s behavior involves paying a price of some sort. 

 

Discipline your son, for there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death.
Proverbs 19:18

By “putting him to death”, I’m assuming less than actual death; however in Biblical times death was always an option.  In modern times, “death” can mean emotional death, speaking ill of the son to others (which the Bible describes as a kind of death), driving him away, estrangement or total shunning as if he never existed.

Reflection on Proverbs by Nila LaDuke, member of 1st Writes.