Proverbs 29.15
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
Proverbs 29.17
“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
These two proverbs, along with several others, focus on the responsibility of parents to train and guide their children. Corporal punishment is actually a minor theme. As we have seen in our study of the Book of Proverbs, the principle of “discipline” is communicated in the Hebrew word musar, which is the work of intentional, purposeful training.
The primary focus of musar in parenting is the process of learning, not corporal punishment. The Hebrew word for “rod” is shebet, which has various meanings: a stick for walking, writing, fighting, ruling, and punishment. Shebet is often used in reference to shepherds who are tending their flocks. Shepherds used the shebet to fight off prey and to guide wandering sheep.
The NT book of Hebrews tells us that there are times that God — as our wise Father — administers discipline and uses the shebet with us.
“Have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12.5-6)
Discipline is part of the process of learning and growth. It is part of what it means to have God as our Father. Therefore, we should not resent the Lord’s discipline, nor should we grow weary when he reproves us and corrects us.
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” (Hebrews 12.7-10).
The purpose of discipline is that we grow in godliness. Yes, sometimes discipline is uncomfortable and even painful, but that is part of the process. If we avoid the discomfort, we prevent learning.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11-13)
Trust God, submit to his authority and guidance, do the work of musar, and grow.
