Early each morning, I write down the Bible verses that speak to me. Sometimes, I wonder if the verse it prophetic. When I see “discipline” and “correction,” I think of punishment. Then I remembered reading about discipline a few days ago.

Proverbs 13:24, “Those who withhold the rod hate their children, but the one who loves them applies discipline.” Common English Bible

* * * * * * *

“…Many readers know this verse better as ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child,’ but these words don’t occur in the Bible. Proverbs 13:24 and other verses in the book use the term ‘rod’ (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13, 14; 29:15). The Hebrew word translated ‘rod’ is shevet. It occurs 190 times in the Old Testament and can mean ‘stick, staff, rod, scepter, tribe, division, lance, spear.’ In this verse, rod occurs with another Hebrew term, musar, which can mean the idea of physical or oral reproof and the idea of a body of knowledge to be mastered. Together the two words may refer to a physical punishment; they may refer to a verbal correction, and they may have to do with sharing knowledge with a young student (see Proverbs 19:27; 20:30).”

Common English Bible Notes on Proverbs 13:24

A shepherd’s rod blocks a lamb from going into danger. It works like a baby gate at the top of the stairs. It’s a correction – “Don’t go that way.”

A king extends his scepter to invite you closer. But pointed away, you are rejected and possibly condemned.

A child reaching for a hot pan gets his hand smacked away. That physical correction spares them excruciating pain.

Oral reproofs may be whispered, “Please chew with your mouth closed.” Others are screamed, “Stop! There’s a car coming!”

And there’s discipleship – like teaching your child to tie his shoes. God is teaching me about my diet. With his correction, I will live longer.

Proverbs 15:10, “Discipline is severe for those who abandon the way; those who hate correction will die.” Common English Bible

All areas of my life need discipline. My piano playing will improve with the discipline of daily practice.

I dream of combining my blogs. I need a plan and discipline for that to happen.

“Your dream and your talent are important, but long-term success won’t happen without a plan. …A plan takes your dreams and talents and maximizes them by bringing structure to the concept. It involves being committed to a budget; it means constantly working on specific goals and details. …Write down your plan, which includes specific actions and deadlines to fulfill it. …”

The Word for You Today, March 9, 2020

March 9, 2020: Proverbs 15-18.

©2009-2020 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com. All Rights Reserved.