As we come to the next part in Proverbs, I would like to take a moment to address multiple scriptures which are repeated by Solomon on various occasions through Proverbs concerning discipline.  So let us look at some of the verses concerning discipline, compare the rod spoken of  to the shepherd’s rod, look at this from the perspective that Solomon may have seen from his own life story, and end with the love of our heavenly Father displayed in His hand of discipline.

Proverbs 13 (NIV) “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Proverbs 23: ¹³ Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. ¹⁴ Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 22: ⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22: Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Many heated arguments occur over these very verses between those who support spanking as the only biblical means of discipline versus those who might wish to believe otherwise.  These arguments seem to surround; yet, never address the real issue of parenting.

We are to teach, train, guide and correct our children by teaching them the truth of the gospel and by living forth examples that they may follow.  If we say one thing and do another, they are more likely to do as we do than to do as we say.

  Yes, they must learn that our actions have consequences and that we all are accountable for our actions.  Discipline is a must; although, hitting a child because we are frustrated, because we can’t be bothered with listening to their thoughts or because we cannot think of a better means of punishment is not truly disciplining in love either.  So, let’s look at the “rod” used by our great shepherd.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 23)-How to be the best Parent, Ever →

Proverbs Chapter 13 once more is an accumulation of individual phrases of wisdom with each verse standing alone or as a whole.  The gathering of wise words which had been spoken by Solomon, words that at that time brought peace among the nations surrounding Israel.  Solomon had chosen well when he chose wisdom and had stood for God with fervent worship at the beginning; although, in the later years he had himself fallen to folly as pride and selfish pursuits overtook him.  The wisdom found in these words still are relevant today.  They were the words of wisdom given to Solomon by God stand firm as the truths we need.

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws 

In addition to wisdom, God gave Solomon everything a man might think he could want.  He gave him wealth above all of the earth, fame that spread around the world, honor, peace, and power.  Perhaps it should stand as a warning that when we have everything, we forget our need for God and evil is always lurking at the door to draw us away.

  So let us look at some more of the words of Wisdom with their earnest plea to listen.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom-A Study in Proverbs (Part 22)–A Word to the Wise →

Your Treasure is Already Here

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

In the dark of the night

In the midst of a dream

When shadows surround

The heart wants to scream

Of sorrows and pains

The guilt that constrains

Eyes open to search for light’s beam

 

Then a whisper of song

Brings God’s truth in a thought

His promise of love

Salvation He bought

The fears of the night

Must now take their flight

As He is the Joy I have sought

 

In the dark of the night

In the midst of man’s scheme

Christ whispered my name

His prayer bore this theme

To give me His love

His joy from above

This wretch he did so esteem

 

And so “Heart do not cry!

And you mind do not fear!”

Your God hath a plan

To bring your heart cheer

You may not see now

The way or the how

Yet, your treasure is already here

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

While reading and studying chapter 12, I noted that it began with the call to desire knowledge and being willing to accept instruction.

Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.

For me, Proverbs has proven at times to be very painful instruction as it cuts deep into my own unworthiness before God. It dissects through the chaff of the darkest nature of my self-exalting human heart, leaving me so aware of my own inability to gain righteousness

. Yet, throughout; it lists the blessings for the righteous. If we read through the examples of righteousness presented in chapter 12; once more I believe the truth is like a surgeon fine instruments cutting away the cancer in our soul. I have paraphrased the 18 points of instruction that are presented in chapter 12.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs (21) Condemned by Truth, Forgiven by Grace →

Proverbs 11 begins with (NIV) “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Duplicity is defined as: deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter; double-dealing.

This chapter continues with comparisons of righteousness against the darkness of evil.

 

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com

God is Just and this becomes ever more evident throughout the book of Proverbs and is particularly true through this chapter. God detests dishonest scales—in business and in life.  Yet, were it not for Grace it is certain that we would all perish as these verses penetrate the depth of our hearts

.  Each verse could stand alone as a Proverb for the day; yet, the whole of the chapter is about justice and just rewards.  So, I encourage you to read the whole chapter and glean the particular richness from each verse; but, for here and now let’s look at four principles gleaned from this chapter.

Continue reading Fountains of Wisdom- A Study in Proverbs (Part 20)-Where Justice and Mercy Collide →