Day 37 - "Discipline your children, for in that there is hope"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 19:15-29
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry. Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death. A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge. Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace. Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What does this passage teach about the importance of discipline in our lives and in raising children?
- How do the themes of laziness versus diligence show up in these proverbs, and which ones challenge you most?
- What does verse 21 mean when it says "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails"?
- Which of these proverbs exposes areas where you might be resisting God's guidance or wisdom in your current situation?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer
Lord, help me to be open to your discipline and correction in my life. Give me wisdom to know when to listen to advice and when to offer it to others. Help me trust that your plans are better than my own, even when I can't see the bigger picture. Guide me to be generous to those in need and faithful in the small things you've given me to do. Amen.