“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother… Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:15, 17 ESV).
In our reading from the book of Proverbs today, Solomon directs our attention to the stewardship of parenting. He offers both warning and instruction for mothers and fathers who would raise children who “give delight to your heart.”
First, the warning: “A child left to himself brings shame.” This warning is addressed to mothers, but might be applied to both parents. Perhaps mothers are emphasized because they might be more apt to indulgence as a child matures from infancy, continuing to “baby” him when bolder parenting is needed. She would never leave a child to himself without food, clothing, or shelter. But she might leave him to himself concerning the “rod and reproof,” excusing his behavior saying, “He’s just tired. He’s not usually like this. He’s too young to understand.”
Certainly there are parents who abandon children, not caring for their physical needs. Yet much more common are parents who neglect the rod and reproof, which is discipline and correction, in raising children. They seek to be the child’s friend, rather than being his parent. Yet if they would parent a child when he is young, they are more apt to be his friend when he grows up.
The parent who would delight in their children will not neglect to discipline them when they are young. And always remembering that raising children is a stewardship from the Lord. We must not leave children to themselves.
PRAYER: Dear Father, give us strength and wisdom to raise our children. Strength, because we often feel exhausted raising little ones. Wisdom, because every child is unique and we need Your insight to raise them up in the way they should go. In Jesus’ name, amen.