Proverbs 29
“Discipline” is a word that without context can be easily misunderstood. For instance, a disciplined athlete, a student, clergy, an organization, an individual adhering to strict dietary restrictions are all positive forms of discipline. The word “discipline” comes from a Latin word meaning “pupil” – to study, to learn, to be trained. Yet, bring up discipline of a child, an animal, a law breaker, etc., and you have a bevy of opinions and strong reactions.
Verses 15 and 17 both insist that parents should teach their children, while verses 16 and 18 describe a society in upheaval. Verse 18 stuck out to me, “where there is no revelation (prophetic vision), the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Coming under discipline can be frustrating, and the execution of discipline can come under intense scrutiny, yet discipline is a blessing. We are blessed when we keep the commands of God. When we become a pupil of His instructions. (Psalm 119:105)
The author of Hebrew points out, “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” (Heb. 12:11). All discipline – not some or even most, but all – seems not to be pleasant, but painful. But there’s a process involved that leads to “peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those who yield to Godly discipline and wisdom.
Godly discipline is not behavior modification. Godly discipline is always motivated by Love, as such, it transforms us from saying “I’ve got to” to “I want to.” It takes us to the point of obeying out of love and trust. An internal heart-change response versus an external rule-based response.
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
Verses 15 and 17 both insist that parents should teach their children, while verses 16 and 18 describe a society in upheaval. Verse 18 stuck out to me, “where there is no revelation (prophetic vision), the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Coming under discipline can be frustrating, and the execution of discipline can come under intense scrutiny, yet discipline is a blessing. We are blessed when we keep the commands of God. When we become a pupil of His instructions. (Psalm 119:105)
The author of Hebrew points out, “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” (Heb. 12:11). All discipline – not some or even most, but all – seems not to be pleasant, but painful. But there’s a process involved that leads to “peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those who yield to Godly discipline and wisdom.
Godly discipline is not behavior modification. Godly discipline is always motivated by Love, as such, it transforms us from saying “I’ve got to” to “I want to.” It takes us to the point of obeying out of love and trust. An internal heart-change response versus an external rule-based response.
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
Posted in Proverbs Challenge
5 Comments
As I was reading through the verses, I wondered how I would ever decide which one to focus on. I loved 15 and 17, but Pastor Adrian already covered those masterfully. It was a dilemma until I came to the very last verse, Proverbs 27:
"The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright."
What makes this so impactful to me is that I see so much of this happening in our society today, especially the second part.
Yes indeed Mike. It's an odd phenomenon that has developed in our time: What is good they call bad, what is bad they call good. It's maddening, but at least I can identify who or what is crazy with some certainty. It's very good to know what is true. Landa
Greed, anger, dissension...righteousness, peace, joy; such a contrast.
I'll take the peace and joy that flow from a right relationship with Jesus.
Verse 25; "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
Working on trusting wholeheartedly in God vs living in fear of people who have the "upper hand". Safety is an issue these days and I remind myself that I rest in safety and security...in the arms and protection of my Abba Father.
Proverbs 29:16 says, "When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their fall." When someone has done you wrong and you're afraid they'll get away with it, there's a certain amount of relief and satisfaction when they get caught and you are exonerated! This happened to me when I was a young Christian. While driving across a four way street on a green light a girl slammed into the side of my car. A man waiting at the crosswalk came and asked me if I was okay. Luckily I was only slightly skinned up. However, my car was totaled and I needed the girl's insurance to help me get another car. I waited several weeks and finally called the girls mother. She yelled at me and wondered what kind of trick I was trying to play since the accident was my fault! No way could I let that stand and went about talking to people in businesses on each corner. I asked if they knew the man waiting to cross on a green light. One cashier thought the man came that way on a regular basis. Oh my, did that cause me to pray and hope that God really does hear our prayers! The other lesson was to wait on the Lord. Several weeks later an agent from the insurance company called me to say the man (a witness) told her what really happened. Not only did I receive enough money for another car, but she threw in an extra $900 for my troubles. Now that was satisfying!
To pastor Adrian- I love your insight, wisdoms- I'm thankful for your leadership. I always learn something, small or life evolving from you. Question: vs 5; "To flatter a friend is to lay a trap for their feet." NLT
Pastor, a couple of my children have called me out for doing this with them, for me it's meant to encourage them. Am I wrong to flatter this way with them??
To Mike Kalish: indeed! I think I'm part what has been causing so much division.