A Wise Child Will Hear His Parents Instruction
September 16, 2019
Commentary
It is only when the heart is ready to receive instruction, and the ear is ready to hear that a person will grow in his spiritual life (v. 12). There is a big difference between reading the Bible (or hearing it explained) and meditating upon it. That is why so many people never grow much in their Christian lives. Children need both verbal and physical correction. Just words and threatening will never produce an obedient spirit. One of the biggest mistakes many parents make is hollering at their children rather than using the rod (v. 13). Following this Biblical principle of discipline is of great value to the child and will spare him from the ruin that is bound to accompany the undisciplined life (v. 14). The joy of a parent whose child has learned from parental discipline is inexpressible (vv. 15-16).
Envying sinners (Ps. 37:1) and wanting to do what they do is senseless because they have no hope (vv. 17-18). The immediate pleasure of sin cannot be compared with the ultimate hope associated with the fear of the Lord. By listening and heeding his father’s instruction and desiring the right path, a son is wise (vv. 19-21). One way to stay on “the right path” is to avoid drunkenness (Prov. 20:1) and gluttony (Prov. 23:2). These two sins cause drowsiness, which results in laziness and poverty. Heeding parental instruction is repeated often in Proverbs, because of children’s tendency to go their own ways. Wise children will respect their parents when they are “old” (mature) (vv. 22-23). One of the reasons many children are disrespectful and fail to care for their parents as they grow old is because they were not properly disciplinedwhen they were young. Wise children respect their parents when they are old, and to do otherwise is to disobey the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12).
Application
To follow God’s instruction in this passage concerning the raising of my children I must go against what society is telling me. Our society is telling me not to spank my children and the Bible is telling me what the results will be.
Proverbs 23:12– 23 (NET)
12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; even if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14 If you strike him with the rod, you will deliver him from death.
15 My child, if your heart is wise, then my heart also will be glad;
16 my soul will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time.
18 For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Listen, my child, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right way.
20 Do not spend time among drunkards, among those who eat too much meat,
21 because drunkards and gluttons become impoverished, and drowsiness clothes them with rags.
22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Acquire truth and do not sell it— wisdom, and discipline, and understanding.