Thought for the Day

Verses 15 and 17 - The theme of correcting children is addressed many times in Proverbs. This indicates how important it is to discipline our children. As we have seen in several other studies, it is necessary that we do several things if we desire our children to bring us delight and not shame.

Here is a quick summary of what we have already studied on Day 97, Day 222 and at other times: First, we need to realize that correction is an integral part of raising a child in God's ways. It is not an option if we desire to have joy and not shame from our children. Second, we must administer correction with the rod (spanking). Young children need the discipline of a spanking from time to time, though it must never be administered in anger, which can lead to abuse. Instruction is necessary before and after a spanking, for a child always needs to be told very clearly what he did wrong. Third, we must continue to correct our children by reproof. As a child ages, the rod is used less and reproof is used more. Even as young adults, our children need the correction of reproof from time to time. This prepares them to receive the reproof and correction of the Lord.

Verse 16 - We have looked at several proverbs that speak of the dreadful impact that wicked leaders have upon a nation. This proverb reminds us that regardless of how much wickedness may increase in these last days, Christ will one day return and we, together with all the righteous by faith from all the ages, shall see the fall of the wicked. The Bible tells us in many places that the Lord will remove the wicked from the earth when He establishes His righteous reign. "For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it" (Proverbs 2:21-22).