READING: Proverbs 23-25, 2 Corinthians 12-13
Wise, godly parents discipline their children because they love them. They want their offspring to walk in godliness and avoid the devil’s traps; thus, parents make hard choices to discipline for their children’s good. They think long-term, knowing that today’s discipline may well lead to tomorrow’s faithful obedience to God.
Then, there is great joy for parents when their children learn from their discipline and make wise choices. Here’s the way the writer of Proverbs described it: “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice. My innermost being will celebrate when your lips say what is right” (Prov 23:15-16). The wisdom of our children may not always be immediately apparent—sometimes it takes them a while to recognize the rightness of discipline—but it nevertheless makes parents grateful and glad when their children eventually pay attention.
Here’s my prayer today: that I as God’s child will accept His loving discipline, and that He will be pleased with my life. I need His presence and His grace to have a wise heart and to always say what is right.
PRAYER: “God, I commit myself to listen to You today—including any discipline I must receive. I want You to be pleased with me.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Be wise today. Speak right with your lips.
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 26-29, Galatians 1