Discipline: The Bible’s answer to Three Deep Questions every parent is asking.

This weekend, our church continued studying through the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Specifically, we looked at a couple of dozen verses for parents. Proverbs offers great encouragement and direction for Parents. Some interesting notes that generated some great discussion, were on the topic of discipline.

Three questions every parent is asking in their heart are answered by being a diligent disciplinarian according to Proverbs:

1. How do I show my love to my children?

• Proverbs 3:12 – for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
• Proverbs 13:24 – Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

2. How do I assure the success of my children?

• Proverbs 19:18 – Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.
• Proverbs 22:15 – Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

3. How do I assure a peaceful relationship with my children?

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

Discipline is a parent’s duty. A duty best administered by a parent, because no one loves and graces a child like a parent can (when they are healthy). Parents must give up the desire to be liked and overlook behavior in a child for peace. Behavior comes from the heart. If unaddressed, the behavior could bring about future harm to the one you love. Parenting means committing to do the hard thing: Discipline our children because we love them, want them to be successful, and want them to know peace and delight us. It’s not easy, but it does produce what we desire for our kids.

• Hebrews 12:11 – No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.