Great day for us all. By the way do you know in what U S state there is a potato hotel? Is it is Montana; Wyoming; Idaho; Or South Dakota? Make a guess & I'll let you know tomorrow. Hint: It by the way is a six ton Russet Burbank potato.
Thursday 3/30
Prov. 29:15 "To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child." NLT
"The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother" NKJ
Another proverb confirms these same teachings, Prov. 22:15 "A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away."
Prov. 13:24 "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them."
According to all of these verses & more discipline is evidently a very important ingredient in guiding children from destruction (a matter of life or death). I in fact, just in case you are teetering on the fence, here are a few more warnings. (Prov. 19:18; 23:13,14)
Since the Bible characterizes children as primarily influenced by folly (22:15) effective, proper training & loving discipline ensure that they will remain on the best path throughout their life.
Now, I will admit that these verses are directly contradicted by what we may call modern specialists who are advocating for what is called "permissive democracy".
However, there is a great mountain of evidence that refutes this "modern" thinking. In fact my life of instruction (of modestly 30 years in direct & indirect forms of discipline) has pointed out to me that the balance in corporal punishment "the rod" and verbal correction "rebuke" bring out what the Bible calls wisdom. Not in fact "warping" a child's personality, as some "experts" may say. Remember: the key is balance.
We have probably all witnessed extremes in both of these forms of discipline. The one view of only using spanking, and ignoring verbal instruction as a preventative measure. Even though the over use of spanking may cause harm, the under use of it has the tendency to bring even greater harm.
The enemy, Satan is very effective in pointing out extremes & ignoring a balanced use of both. As a parent of five children & a grandparent of 15 kids, as well as, an administrator for 2 schools, and an observer of many other schools, I am convinced of the importance of asking God for balance in both of these two areas.
The next three verse cast a bright light on this verse, so we will look deeper into this meaning the next few days.
So Go With God for He teaches us these wonderful principles in how He deals with the mankind all around us & through His past dealings with others. Rest in His promises for He is ALWAYS RIGHT, and eternally patient.
It has to be Idaho. I used to go there in the summers to my cousins house, Teddy and Bobby, and my Pastor Uncle Bob and Aunt Gayle. Idahoans call potatoes spuds, and there is even an Idaho Spud candy bar, and there are spud farms everywhere.