“A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!”
I’ve always wanted a miniature donkey. I just feel like no matter how bad a day you’re having, if you come home, look out your back window, and see a miniature donkey, it will brighten things up. That’s probably not true, but it feels like a pretty sound theory. I have a granddaughter who is very much into horses and rodeo riding, specifically barrel racing. I’ve never seen her use a whip on her horse. Reading this verse, it struck me that even some horses are wiser than people and that they learn how to behave without the need for that particular tool. “Fools” in this verse does not refer to stupid or ignorant people. It refers instead to those who are intelligent but deliberately choose to do stupid things. When children don’t respond to verbal instruction, a stronger form of discipline needs to be used. Although most schools no longer allow spanking, they certainly do suspend students or use other forms of discipline when verbal instruction is not adhered to. Parents at times put a child in a corner, give them a timeout, take away privileges, and use many other forms of discipline when one of their kids does not follow instructions. When we disobey God, stricter discipline is needed. Just like with our children, it’s not out of anger or hatred, but out of love. God, like a parent, desires us to learn, grow, and become wise. Today, listen, respond, and accept God’s discipline. #BeTheEdge
“because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6 NIV
