“Discipline your child while there is still hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.” Proverbs 19:18 NLT
As parents we have an important job – disciplining our children. Two things stood out to me regarding that in this verse. The first is that we need to do it while there is still hope, or while there is still time. It is easier to initiate and enforce anything when they are younger as opposed to introducing something new when they are older. I’m thinking of chores around the house in my last sentence, but in the same way, it is easier to teach them which path to follow at a young age and before they are indulging within the sinful desires of their heart.
The second part that stood out to me is that if we neglect our duty, we will ruin their lives. Scripture doesn’t say that they will ruin their lives, but that we will. We are held accountable and are responsible to give them their due correction. We are the parent and need to speak wisdom and guidance into their lives. It will be through our best efforts of discipline, that gives hope of them walking the path that leads to everlasting life.
Lock Your Wings 
Some nuggets of wisdom from today’s reading:
“Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Proverbs 19:2 NLT
Thinking of the reopening after the pandemic and sometimes I worry that doing too much too fast could have bad consequences.
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Proverbs 19:20 NLT
This verse is over the door in my classroom and it was the verse I shared in the Grade 8 farewell video today. Good advice for all.
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
Just like proverbs 16:9 this verse reminds us that God is ultimately in control. We need to surrender to our plans and lean on God to being us exactly to the place we need to be
LikeLike