Proverbs 13:1-A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. Now I'm really not making up how many of these verses my children need to memorize!
Proverbs 13:10-Pride only breeds quarrel, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. I started thinking about this backwards. Often pride is hard to identify or nail down. But a quarrel is obvious! So wherever I have a quarreling spirit, pride is at the root. Boy that is true!
Proverbs 13:20-He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. I've always loved James 1:5 that promises if we lack wisdom we can ask Go who gives generously! Well, this verse shows us another way to gain wisdom. Hang out with those who are wise!
Proverbs 13:24-He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Dan & I were told something very cool by Timothy's Development Pediatrician, who is a Christian. He said the rod is like a Shepherd's staff. He had to use that on the left or right of his sheep to make sure they would walk in the right direction. If he didn't do that, they would die (and that would be hate, wouldn't it?) As long as we continue to guide our kids, even if it's the 100th time they've disobeyed, we will show them our unending love.
Proverbs 13:3-He who guards his lips guards his life, but he (it really should say she, shouldn't it?) who speaks rashly will come to ruin. This verse goes along with Chapter 10. Speaking rashly isn't just a mistake, it will lead to my ruin.
Proverbs 13:10-Pride only breeds quarrel, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. I started thinking about this backwards. Often pride is hard to identify or nail down. But a quarrel is obvious! So wherever I have a quarreling spirit, pride is at the root. Boy that is true!
Proverbs 13:12 & 19-Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. I love putting these verses next to each other because we see multiple things that happen when a longing is fulfilled.
Proverbs 13:20-He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. I've always loved James 1:5 that promises if we lack wisdom we can ask Go who gives generously! Well, this verse shows us another way to gain wisdom. Hang out with those who are wise!
Proverbs 13:24-He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Dan & I were told something very cool by Timothy's Development Pediatrician, who is a Christian. He said the rod is like a Shepherd's staff. He had to use that on the left or right of his sheep to make sure they would walk in the right direction. If he didn't do that, they would die (and that would be hate, wouldn't it?) As long as we continue to guide our kids, even if it's the 100th time they've disobeyed, we will show them our unending love.
5 comments:
So good! I need to work more on your last point Alicia. I found verse 20 to be amazing for me, as a mentor and as someone who is being mentored.
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Great post!
I like the way you worked backwards on the quarrel/ pride thing. So true! It's hard to spot pride (my own, that is) but spotting a quarrel is so easy.
And I love what your pediatrician said about the rod as a shepherd's staff guiding to the right or left. Reminds me of "as you turn to the right or left, you'll hear a voice behind you saying 'this is the way, walk in it." (Sorry for the bad paraphrase.)
Vs 24- He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
This is probably one of the most mishandled verses for parenting. As you wise doctor explained it is not a rod to beat a child with! It is an extention of his arm to place gentle pressure upon the calf to guide him. I think the second portion is critical to understanding the first portion. He who loves him is CAREFUL to discipline him. Careful implies focus, thought out, purposeful. Am I careful in how I tend to my kids? Am I careful as to not crush them or make them hard pressed? Am I being careful to discipline them in love not out of passion and rage? Is my discipline truly to guide them on the right path or just to make them less annoying?
I think we could all use a little (okay, a lot!) of discipline from our Father on how to carefully tend to our little lambs! After all, they are truly His!
Lord, open my eyes to see how you would have me discipline my children. May I be waiting for your rod to gently guide me in the way you would have me go. How do I expect to guide them in Your way if I am not following You? I thank You for Your amazing gentleness and wisdom in all my ways. Praise You for your careful discipline. Amen
Wow! Candice thank you for that prayer at the end. So powerful and a great reminder especially when you are a single, working mom and frustrations tend to cloud judgement!
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