“Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.”
As is so often the case, Solomon is very blunt and direct in this verse. He goes straight to the heart of a parent by cautioning them not to be fooled into believing their children need a friend more than a parent. Friends may offer a warning or caution to a friend but in the end they usually don’t feel it is their place to draw firm lines of behavior for someone else. In reality a true friend would be willing to risk the wrath of their friend to protect them from very clear danger both physical and spiritual. That being said there is no excuse for a parent ever ignoring that responsibility no matter how much their child may protest. And they will definitely protest. This verse certainly speaks to physical death that can be the result of an undisciplined life that is open to dangers from the world and its forces. Satan has three goals for our children and friends, to kill, steal and destroy. With God’s help we often are part of His first and last lines of defense against these attacks. Solomon makes clear that when we operate in our role as disciplinarian we give hope for our children’s outcomes. It is hope, though not a guarantee. They are still free will agents (sorry Calvin) and so ultimately they may still rebel. However, the odds are with those raised by Godly counsel and correction. Today love your children and friends enough to speak truth even when it is not always desired and discipline were appropriate. #BeTheEdge
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV