Morning Meditations: The Rod of Correction

From my morning devotion:

Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

also:

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Let's see what Noah Webster had to say about folly to figure out what we're talking about:

A weak or absurd act not highly criminal; an act which is inconsistent with the dictates of reason, or with the ordinary rules of prudence. An absurd act which is highly sinful; any conduct contrary to the laws of God or man; sin; scandalous crimes; that which violates moral precepts and dishonors the offender.

But you might say that kids will be kids, right? They're just silly! That's right, but there's a big difference between a playful child and something which intentionally dishonors a person.

Let's look a little more into Proverbs 26 to see what else God has to say about this foolishness:

Proverbs 26:11,13,18,19,20,28 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? 20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

These are the fruits of living a foolish life. It's better that we drive this foolishness from them now then to reap the fruits of them later in life.

Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

What we are talking about here is the rod of correction. But sometimes correction isn't the rod. Sometimes the need a word of encouragement to WHIP them into shape. Sometimes you need to use the BRIDLE to bring direction to their lives. And sometimes they need the ROD. Yes, the Bible commands us to spank our children.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

To think that we love our children to much to punish them is a false idea. It will lead to more generations of lost people.

Lord, give us direction to help us correct our children. Give us grace to do what is write in your sight. In Jesus name, amen.