Discipline III (Proverbs 23:13-14)

Discipline is a sore subject in America. Some believe that if you discipline your child, it will ruin his or her self image and therefore effect the child's self esteem. Others call it abuse. What does the Bible say?

"Withhold not discipline from the child, for if you strike and punish him with the [reed-like] rod, he will not die. You shall whip him with the rod and deliver his life from Sheol [Hades, the place of the dead]." Proverbs 23:13-14, Amplified

The Bible encourages physical discipline, but not abuse. There is a line within the parents heart that must be drawn and they must understand that the "whipping"is for the infraction of the familial law established within the household. I was spanked growing up. It was just a part of the American way of life. Somewhere along the line, however, the American public have lost sight of that. Somewhere along the line the American public broke the covenant with the Lord. No longer can we call ourselves a Christian nation, rather we are a nation for all religions and all ways of thinking and all belief systems. America is on the fast track to hell and she is dragging her youth with her.

I do not encourage physical discipline myself. I know how I discipline my children and that works for me. Is it physical sometimes? Yes. Do I beat my kids? No. But as I said you must find that balance within yourself.

Read it and Heed it (Proverbs 23:12)

It takes work to do well in this life. It also takes work for us to do well and finish well in our walk of faith.

"Apply your mind to instruction and correction, and your ears to the words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12, Amplified

Instruction is good for nothing if the hearer does not apply what he has been instructed to do. It is like the instruction manual in a toy that I have bought my child. It will do me no good unless I read what the makers of the toy have written. Usually, I just throw the directions aside and do my best to get through the process. I remember, last Christmas, my wife had bought my son an Optimus Prime transformer toy. Even with the instructions it was difficult for me to navigate the process of transformation.

The Bible is never like that. Every time we read it, the instruction is clear and precise. There is no confusion as to what needs to be in our walks. But that newly found knowledge and instruction needs to be applied in our lives. As powerful a book as the Bible is, it is good for nothing if we do not read it and heed it.

The Landmark and the Fatherless (Proverbs 23:10-11)

In Proverbs chapter 22, the ancient landmark was covered. Here the Lord brings it up again because it is important.

"Remove not the old landmark and enter not into the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you." Proverbs 23:10-11, Amplified

As stated before, the landmark was placed in order to spur questions as to why it was first erected. This kept the oral traditions fresh within the nation. But here the Lord inspires Solomon to add more to the verse and say that the fields of the fatherless are also protected. Why the fatherless? Because they have no one to speak for them and protect them. This is one of the great attributes of the Lord, He will become the advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Who is the Fool (Proverbs 23:9)

For some, wisdom is not a thing that is desirable and we should be sure to keep our mouths shut because we will be despised.

"Speak not in the ears of a [self-confident] fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words." Proverbs 23:9, Amplified

Who is the fool? "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1, NKJV) "For the foolish person will speak foolishness, and his heart will work iniquity: to practice ungodliness, to utter error against the Lord, to keep the hungry unsatisfied and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail." (Isaiah 32:6, NKJV) The fool cares nothing about being corrected for his heart and mind have become so twisted by his own desires and selfishness.

Does this mean that we should not try to correct and witness to these people. No. The Gospel was sent to everyone. The Gospel is for everybody. We need to be wise as serpents, however, and understand to whom we are speaking.

The Miser (Proverbs 23:6-8)

To dine, or participate in any activity with a person who is miserly will always come to bite you in the butt.

"Eat not the bread of him who has a hard, grudging and envious eye, neither desire his dainty foods; for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. As one who reckons he says to you, eat and drink, yet his heart is not with you [but is grudging the cost]." Proverbs 23:6-7, Amplified

So the miser, as we learn in this verse is also an envious man. All he wants is more of what he has an would much rather you get what you want or need elsewhere. There is no good company found with the miser. So in essence as you eat, or enjoy yourself in whatever activity, the miser dislikes you because he is constantly counting the cost. And the more you eat and enjoy the more he dislikes you.

"The morsel which you have eaten you will vomit up, and your complimentary words will be wasted." Proverbs 23:8, Amplified

What the apparent meaning of this verse is that as you eat and enjoy from the hand of the miser, you may find that he has given to you grudgingly and that will vomit up what you have eaten. I know that I myself have been placed into this situation. I was hanging out with a guy who I thought was my friend and the more time I spent with him, the more I realized he did not want me there. Once I came to this knowledge, there were no words that I could say that would rectify the situation.

The same can be said about the miser in this verse. As you come to the knowledge that he really does not want you there, there will be no words to make him feel better.

Money with Wings (Proverbs 23:4-5)

Here we go with riches again. Remember, I have stated more times than I can recall, the Lord does not necessarily want us to be poor, He just wants our focus to be on Him alone.

"Weary not yourself to be rich; cease from this your own wisdom. Will you set your eyes upon wealth, when [suddenly] it is gone? For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens." Proverbs 23:4-5, Amplified

Riches are one of those things that promises everything but delivers little. I do not know how many times that my wife and I have gotten ahead and had a little stored away when something happens that takes it all. I mean thank God we had it, but the Lord always wants our focus to be upon Him. It was never the money that took care of the problem, it was the Lord who used to money to take care of the problem.

Investing with Return (Proverbs 23:1-3)

To be a man given to something means that you are a man who has a weakness considering that particular thing. In reality, the only thing that we should be given to is the Lord.

"When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider who and what is before you; for you will put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to desire." Proverbs 23:1-2, Amplified

If we are given to something we must realize that this is our Achilles Heel, so to speak. Our unhealthy desires can often become our own undoing, the object that will eventually supplant us.

"Be not desirous of his dainties, for they are deceitful foods [offered with questionable motives]." Proverbs 23:3, Amplified

The sweetest things in life always have a price tag. The only thing with a return on it is the Lord. As we invest in the things of this world, more and more of ourselves are spent. True investment does involve risk, but when it comes to our souls, why risk anything? AS we invest ourselves into the Lord, we find that not only does He offer a return, but He guarantees it as well.

Diligence (Proverbs 22:29)

Whatever it is you do, do your best.

"Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29, Amplified

This verse could not have said it any plainer. If we are diligent in what we do, we can only prosper.

Lest We Forget (Proverbs 22:28)

Remembering what the Lord has done in our lives is essential.

"Remove not the ancient landmark which your fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28, Amplified

Throughout the Old Testament we see the Lord instructing men of faith to erect altars wherever the Lord has worked mightily in their lives. Jacob built and altar after dreaming about the ladder, Joshua built an altar after crossing the Jordan to conquer the promised land. These were not altars to be used for sacrifice, rather they were set up to remember. When younger generations would pass by these altars they would ask why it was erected. The older generation could say the Lord worked mightily for His people right here.

We do not erect altars today, but we do not need to forget what He has done for us. There is a necessity for us to pass that information on to the younger generation. We need to remember lest we forget how He has worked on our behalf. It is too easy to forget His goodness and benevolence. Remember.

Cosigning (Proverbs 22:26-27)

Again, it cannot be stressed enough how much the Lord dislikes someone becoming surety for someone else. In other words, do not cosign.

"Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become surety for another's debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you." Proverbs 22:26-27, Amplified

What this is pointing to is placing our faith in mankind. We cosign with the belief that the one we cosign for will be responsible. Our faith can never be in man. I have a coworker right now who is dodging phone calls from a couple who cosigned for his car. Believe it or not, he is not paying the bill, now the creditors are after them. Growing up, my parents would not even cosign for me. I am so glad that they did not, because I was not yet responsible enough myself. I would have been the financial demise of my parents.

Tofu (Proverbs 22:24-25)

There are certain people whom we should not associate ourselves with.

"Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate, lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare." Proverbs 22:24-25, Amplified

It is a simple concept, we will become whomever we associate ourselves with. This is inevitable. People are like tofu, taking on the flavor and characteristics of anyone and everyone around them.

Who's Got Your Back (Proverbs 22:22-23)

There are persons out there who are discriminated against simply because of their status in society. Realize, however, that the Lord has their backs.

"Rob not the poor [being tempted by his helplessness], neither oppress the afflicted at the gate [where the city court is held]; for the Lord will plead their cause, and deprive of life those who deprive the poor or afflicted." Proverbs 22:22-23, Amplified

How much more plain do you want to get. I know that in High School, the jocks would pick on the younger and the weaker of the school population. For some, that behavior is never unlearned and carried into adult life. The Lord says it plain and simply in His Word, "You shall not pervert the judgement of your poor in his dispute." (Exodus 23:6, NKJV) And again He says, "Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother." (Zechariah 7:9-10, NKJV)

Words of Wisdom (Proverbs 22:17-21)

It is so important for us to listen to encouragement and advice from our elders. What needs to be realized is that these are not controlling devices, rather, they are guard rails to keep us on the right track.

"Listen [consent and submit] to the words of the wise and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them." Proverbs 22:17-18, Amplified

First, the author encourages the reader to listen and apply themselves to his unique brand of wisdom. Remember that Solomon was the smartest man in the world. But this is the first step that we as believers need to take, consent and submit to the words and advice of those who are smarter and more experienced than ourselves.

We must do this because it will be pleasant for us. Notice that wisdom that comes from the Lord is never detrimental to the believer? But the more that we believe and accept advice and wisdom from the godly, it will be easier for us to confess that same advice and wisdom. If you ever have watched one of those infomercials, the people that they have selling the product believe that it works. If they did not believe, they would never be able to sell any, because one must believe what he is selling. Then, sometimes they have testimonials from customers who have purchased the product talking about how good it is.

None of this would have been possible, however, if the product had not worked. None of this would have worked if someone did not believe in the product. None of this would have been possible if someone had not confessed that belief to others.

"That your trust - belief, reliance, support and confidence - may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even your." Proverbs 22:19, Amplified

Why is he giving this advice to the reader? He is directing the reader to the Lord. This is the great litmus test of advice given. Where does it lead you. Is it something supported by the Bible. Is it something the Lord would approve of? Advice given must always draw us, push us, guide us toward the Lord. If it does not, then the advice is not good.

"Have I not written to you [long ago] excellent things in counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who have sent you?" Proverbs 22:20-21, Amplified

Solomon is reaffirming his reasons to writing these words of wisdom. This world is so full of uncertainty, but the truth never suffers ambiguity. We must receive the truth in order to give an answer to those who ask it of us.

Oppress (Proverbs 22:16)

When I read this next verse, I am reminded of America.

"He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want." Proverbs 22:16, Amplified

This verse reminds me of taxes for some reason. The poorest of this nation get the hardest hit by taxes, but the rich get all the tax breaks. I mean to me, it makes no sense. I do not believe that this is the only reason why our nation is dying, but I do believe that this has been a contributor.

The Fruit of Discipline (Proverbs 22:15)

There is a time for every person to act as a child, but that time ends. As a child gets older, he must be taught how to grow and if he does not learn, then there is another way.

"Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." Proverbs 22:15, Amplified

There is a big difference between discipline and abuse. The Bible encourages for a child to have discipline so that they may learn the way in which they should live. What would you rather have: a child be hurt temporarily by you out of love of hurt, possibly for the rest of his life, by a bad decision?

The Lord did the same thing to the Jews when they turned away from Him. Read the book of Judges. When the children of Israel fell into idolatry, the Lord brought a Gentile nation to put them under subjection. It was done out of love. We know this because of the outcome of the discipline. Whenever the Israelites had had enough, they turned their hearts back to the Lord.

This is what our discipline on our children should produce. That discipline should produce fruit of change and repentance.

Who Do You Love More (Proverbs 22:14)

There are many different things for a man to fall into, but the worst of all is that of an immoral woman.

"The mouth of loose women is a deep pit [for ensnaring wild animals]; he with whom the Lord is indignant and who is abhorrent to Him will fall into it." Proverbs 22:14, Amplified

There is not much to elaborate on concerning this verse. It is pretty self explanatory. Who ever the Lord abhors will fall into the mouth of an immoral woman. Her lies and soft words will grad the heart of that man. She will seduce any and all who have not fallen into love with the Lord.

Excuses are Like... (Proverbs 22:13)

It has been a while since I looked into the book of Proverbs. I hate feeling so sick that I cannot get up and read my Bible. This is only an excuse, just like the verse we are about to read today. Everyone has excuses, but it does not make them right.

"The sluggard says, There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!" Proverbs 22:13, Amplified

This is an obviously strange excuse for any person to use. But I think what Solomon is trying to point out here is that any excuse is almost too extreme. Notice, however, that he qualifies the excuse as being made by a lazy man, or a sluggard. This is a person who has almost perfected the excuse. I know that I have my excuses, I just hope and pray that they never get this extreme.

He Keeps His Own Safe (Proverbs 22:12)

The Lord is righteous. He will preserve those who are righteous and overthrows those who are not.

"The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and him who has it, but He overthrows the words of the treacherous." Proverbs 22:12, Amplified

Nothing established in unrighteous will ever stand. It may seem that those who are evil prosper, but that is solely temporal. The Lord will guard anyone and everyone who practices righteousness, because we are His and He takes care of His own. Realize and understand that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and their end will come suddenly and without warning.

A Friend for the King (Proverbs 22:11)

Purity is always the best choice for anyone to make. It seems that our society is deceiving its citizens by selling them something less than purity.

"He who loves purity and the pure in heart, and who is gracious in speech, will for the grace of his lips have the king for his friend." Proverbs 22:11, Amplified

Who wouldn't want a king for a friend? Who wouldn't want to cal the King of kings his friend? There are those who have bought into the lie that there is something bette than purity for the body and it is the freedom that one has with his own body. Do you realize that purity has never hurt a soul? Do you realize that purity will never cause one to have an STD or an unwanted pregnancy?

The lie has become so believable that people think that Christians are trying to take something away from them, some experience that they may miss out on. But in truth, purity is the true freedom that one can experience. it is the freedom to not do what everyone else is doing. When we align ourselves with purity, we take the same stance as the Lord on certain issues that seek to defile that purity and innocence. When we align ourselves with the Lord, we make Him our friend. I would much rather have the Lord on my side than Herpes.

Get Rid of Those Boogers (Proverbs 22:10)

Sometimes we just need to clean house to get a fresh start.

"Drive out the scoffer and contention will go out; yes, strife and abuse will cease." Proverbs 22:10, Amplified

That cleaning house sometimes involves ridding ourselves of people we surround ourselves with. This verse reminds me of the Mucinex commercials where these boogers have set up house within the lungs of a person making him miserable. But with a little prompting and coughing and Mucinex, the boogers are forced out giving that person relief for the first time in who knows how long.

The same thing can be said of those persons that we surround ourselves with, the mucus of relationships can bog us down. If we eradicate that from our lives, then we will be freer that before.

Sow with the Intent to Harvest (Proverbs 22:9)

Generosity is one of the signs that we are one of the children of God.

"He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." Proverbs 22:9, Amplified

Those who have this "bountiful" eye will be blessed because they realize that what they have really isn't theirs in the first place. Everything that we own comes from the Lord. Paul said it best when he wrote to the Corinthians. "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Sp let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: 'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.' Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness." (Second Corinthians 9:6-10, NKJV)

As we come the conclusion that nothing we have is our own, we will be able to give of it more freely. The seed that we are provided with comes from the Lord. Whatever that seed may be, it is the obligation of the sower to sow those seeds so that he may reap a harvest.

Don't Miss the Harvest (Proverbs 22:8)

This next verse is a warning to us all.

"He who sows iniquity will reap calamity and futility, and the rod of his wrath [with which he smites others] will fail." Proverbs 22:8, Amplified

I am no more qualified to point this verse at anyone else than you are at me. When I read this verse, I cannot relate it to anyone but myself. There have been times in my walk where I have failed to walk righteously. I need to be that example for my family and if I am out sowing iniquity then I will miss the harvest.

But this verse points to a truth that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount. He stated that we tend to see the speck and ignore the log. If I am going about living life according to the flesh, then I have no business correcting anyone else who is doing the same. This even goes more for my family than anything or anyone else. I would be a hypocrite if I chose to live this way. I admit that everyday seems to be a struggle and when I do falter, the road to redemption seems more arduous than before. But the point of repentance is to make a changing of the mind and turn from those sins.

Supply and Demand (Proverbs 22:7)

There are certain laws that cannot be broken whether they be scientific or social.

"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7, Amplified

How much more simple can one get. This is a social law that will never change. Travel to any country, nation and culture and the same concept applies. This is what the economic concept of supply and demand is built upon. I do not think that there is anything else that can be said about this verse that already has not been said.

Training (Proverbs 22:6)

This is a verse that I held on to when I was going astray. Though I knew that what I was doing was wrong, I was not willing to turn from whatever sin I was involved in.

"Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6, Amplified

I thank my parents everyday for teaching me the things of God, for without that I would still be lost. The Bible never infers that a child will not leave the Way, it only states that when he is old he will not depart rom it. Everyone needs to find their own way in this world. If that means straying from the Lord, then that is what he must do. The Bible encourages each one of us by saying this, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12, NKJV) Each one of us has that responsibility in our own lives. Parents are called to lead and direct, but each has his own decisions to make. I made my own decisions, most of which I regret from my adolescence, but I returned to the Way.

Parents, be strengthened with the knowledge that if you have trained your child up in the ways of the Lord, then that foundation will ever be present within their hearts and minds. That sure footing will forever be there for them to return to when they have exhausted everything else.

Choices (Proverbs 22:5)

The way of the righteous is a peaceful path, but the way of the perverse is full of pain.

"Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them." Proverbs 22:5, Amplified

Guarding oneself means that he or she keeps him or herself from evil choices. There is pain and hurt in the lives of the righteous and evil alike, however, the pain is different when the sojourner is obstinate and willful against the will of the Lord. That pain comes from bad choices and is meant to destroy. The pain that the Lord allows in our lives is meant to strengthen us. Thorns and snares are devices of torture, but the fire of the Lord tempers the heart.

What You Seek (Proverbs 22:4)

True riches are found in humility.

"The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." Proverbs 22:4, Amplified

The three things that I feel are most prevalent in the minds of human beings is to find riches, to find honor and to find life. Within these three things, the person finds what he or she has been searching for.

However, if we wish to receive riches and honor and life we must first have that reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord. True riches are found in the Lord because He owns "the cattle on a thousand hills." (Psalm 50:10b, NKJV) Honor goes to those who first honor the Lord. "Honor the Lord with your possessions..." (Proverbs 3:9a, NKJV) And life to those who seek the Lord first. "Who 'will render to each one according to his deeds'; eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality..." (Romans 2:6-7, NKJV)

Everything that we need for this life is all tied up with the Lord.

Prudence (Proverbs 22:3)

It is always a good thing to look ahead in life and see what is coming. If we walk around blind, we will always fall into peril.

"A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished (with suffering)." Proverbs 22:3, Amplified

It is our duty to know and understand what is going on around us. In doing so, we begin to protect ourselves from the evils of this world. Sojourning through this world unprotected leaves us on the chopping block for the devil, easy prey.

Created Equal (Proverbs 22:2)

Everybody has at least this one thing in common, God made everyone.

"The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all." Proverbs 22:2, Amplified

The meeting that this verse is referring to is a commonality between two persons. It is interesting, I was just talking to a friend of mine last night about this sort of thing. Death is the great leveler. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, status separated these two men, however, in death, these two met eye to eye. Though they had a great chasm separating the two, the rich man finally took notice of Lazarus.

No matter where we are in this life, according to our status, riches or anything else, we are no better than the next guy. We all have the same beginning: the Lord made us all. We all have the same end: death.

On a tombstone, there is a little dash between the birth and death dates. That little dash signifies the life spent by the individual. How will your dash be read?

Your Good Name (Proverbs 22:1)

There are other things in this life that are more important than possessions.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than choice silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1, Amplified

Some would much rather have riches than anything else, but in truth a good name will get you much further in this life than anything else. Sure, riches bring you into favor with others, but will they respect you? Most people get enamored with the idea of knowing someone rich for they have the idea that they will benefit from those riches.

With a good name, there is no doubt that respect comes with that. In truth, riches can only get you so far with another person. Your name and reputation goes so much further than anything else. Others are willing to bend themselves for your reputation than your riches. Your good name will bring you favor with others long before your riches do.

Preparations (Proverbs 21:31)

We can make all the preparation that we want, but the outcome is always based upon what the Lord desires.

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance and victory are of the Lord." Proverbs 21:31, Amplified

All the preparation in the world will not win the battle if the Lord already favors your foe. this is why we must not only make preparation, but we must also supplicate and pray to the Lord for His deliverance.

Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel (Proverbs 21:30)

Advice is a great and wonderful thing to give and receive. But no advice can ever be given that is contrary to the Lord.

"There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord." Proverbs 21:30, Amplified

Over the years, it may seem that this statement does not ring true in America, because we now have laws and practices and government that seems to go directly against the will of God. So is this verse wrong? No. What is says is that nothing will "prevail" against the Lord, it does not mention that man would not try to be contrary to the Lord. It is within our nature. And what he verse is really stating is that whatever counsel that we receive, nothing will be as good as what the Lord would have us do. Take for instance the act of intercourse. The world says that we should do whatever we feel like because if we love someone it can't be wrong. But if we do, there is danger of unwanted pregnancy and even STD's. But he Lord tells us to wait until we are married, what can be wrong with that?

The only reason why the world is so resistant against what the Lord would have us do is that He would have us deny ourselves for just a moment. We are creatures that need and want immediate satisfaction. If you are hungry, go to a drive through or pop a dinner in the microwave. Are you horny, why wait for your wife for there is a plethora of pornographic sites for one to choose from on the net.

Wisdom, understanding and counsel are best is received from the Lord. There is no trickery involved with the Lord, He is black or white and never gray. It is either yes, no or wait. Denial of our desires just makes us appreciate whatever it is we are waiting even more.

Anchor (Proverbs 21:29)

There is a big difference as to how the wicked and the righteous conduct themselves.

"A wicked man puts on the bold, unfeeling face [of guilt] bit as for the upright, he considers, directs and establishes his way [with the confidence of integrity]." Proverbs 21:29, Amplified

This is one of those verses where I prefer one translation over the other. In this verse, I do prefer the New King James Version over the Amplified. In the beginning of this verse in the former translation it states, "The wicked man hardens his face..." There is no hint of the guilt spoken of in the Amplified version.

Going off this other translation, when I read it, it reminds me of my son. When he gets in one of his moods, he crosses his arms, furrows his brow and purses his lips. He is angry and does not want to move. This is what the wicked man does; he does not want to move so he takes a stance. It is not established in anything else but his own desire.

The righteous man, however, establishes his own way. What he does differently is that he knows where he is going, why he is going and how he is to get there. He has a plan and he understands how it is to be executed. The righteous man has most likely prayed as well concerning this path which makes his way even more established.

The difference between the two men is the anchor that each one possesses. The wicked man is anchored by his own feet, but the righteous man is anchored by the Lord Himself.

Witness (Proverbs 21:28)

"A false witness shall perish, but the word of a man who hears attentively will endure and be unchallenged." Proverbs 21:28, Amplified

I think that this verse speaks plainly and loudly for itself.

Sacrifices (Proverbs 21:27)

There is nothing good that a wicked man can do for the Lord. His heart is wicked, therefore every intent that he has within his heart is wicked.

"The sacrifice of the wicked is exceedingly disgusting and abhorrent [to the Lord]; how much more when he brings it with evil intentions?" Proverbs 21:27, Amplified

The heart of a man must be right with the Lord in order for his sacrifices to mean anything. So if we are wicked by nature, how do we get to this point of purity? The answer is within the text.

The sacrifices of the wicked are a disgusting thing to the Lord because of the state of his heart. He has not made the effort to cleanse himself or rid himself of his wickedness. He has no desire to change. But he is even more disgusting when he brings his sacrifices with evil intent. It is like bringing gifts to placate the gods but never intending to change your ways. What is the point? There is nothing in my own possessions that the Lord would ever want above my heart. My heart is the only sacrifice that I can give to the Lord. But if I bring anything else to give him in place of my heart, it will mean nothing if I have no intent to change.

If one wishes to change, he must couple strong desire with strong will. Have a desire to change and the fortitude to do so. I am not implying that there is anything I can do to earn the love of God or to earn passage into heaven. However, I have to want to change. I have to want to make an effort to change. I have to actively make better choices in my life.

It may be surprising to some, but there are a few things that God cannot do. One of those things is to change a heart that is unwilling to change.

Desire (Proverbs 21:25-26)

The lazy and the industrious man have this one thing in common: they both desire something. However, only one will receive that which he desires.

"The desire of the slothful man kills him, for his hands refuse to do labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous gives and does not withhold." Proverbs 21:25-26, Amplified

For the lazy man, desire does not become manifest because he refuses to take part in the process. Desire needs to become more in a life in order for it to become real. Had Bill Gates simply sat in his garage and desired to build a computer, Microsoft would never have been born. Many great men had desires to become more and do more in their lives, they took action. No one who has ever made a name for themselves have done so for inaction. Even Richard Heene took action to become more with his weather balloon hoax.

But the righteous man takes action on his desires and receives so much more than he needs that he has to give to others. Trust in the Lord and He will give you all that you need. Trust, faith and hope are all words that have action behind them. Neither conveys an idea of passiveness, especially when it comes to our relationships with the Lord.

Who You Are (Proverbs 21:24)

There are those out there who act in certain ways and one does not need to be personally introduced to him to understand who he is.

"The proud and haughty man - scoffer is his name - deals and acts with overwhelming pride." Proverbs 21:24, Amplified

There is not much for me to say here, besides the fact that I never want to be known just because of my words. Why would anyone ever want to dissuade people from becoming close?

I want people to know me for my words, but more so for who I am.

What Goes in Must Come Out (Proverbs 21:23)

The tongue and mouth of a person can be such a wicked thing. But we have total control over everything we say.

"He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from troubles." Proverbs 21:23, Amplified

As Christin men and women we need to be ever more diligent to guard our tongues and mouths. How are we to do this. The easiest way is of course to read your Bible and pray everyday. The next step is to filter what we place into our eyes and ears. The less vile things that we allow is, the less vile they will be coming out.

Wisdom Versus Strength (Proverbs 21:22)

Wisdom is so much better than strength.

"A wise man scales the city walls of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust." Proverbs 21:22, Amplified

Wisdom breaks down strongholds. The strong have only their strength to rely on, but the wise have wisdom to help them overcome any obstacle. Wisdom is better than strength because wisdom is knowledge applied. How can a strong man overtake one stronger than himself? He may get lucky, but the odds are stacked against. The wise man, the cunning man, however, has the better chance to bring down the mighty because of his wisdom.

Seek and be Filled (Proverbs 21:21)

There are many things for a man to seek and fulfill himself, however, it is the things of God that are the most important for us to seek.

"He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness [uprightness and right standing with God] and also honor." Proverbs 21:21, Amplified

It is urged that we seek after the things of God. Not only do we need to seek but also seek but also crave the things of God. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NKJV) We are promised that if we do indeed crave the things of God, that those cravings will be satisfied. God is not like sin. He doesn't allow you to dine just to leave you empty, wanting more. We crave the things of the flesh in a desperate fashion, looking to fill some void within our hearts and souls. But sadly, that hole is never filled, so we binge on sin. The Lord, though, fills us up to the brim, and the cravings do return, but for different reasons. We crave the things of God because our heart and soul found sustenance and we desire that fulfillment again.

God is the only who can satisfy.

Treasures (Proverbs 21:20)

The difference between a wise and foolish man is the responsibility taken toward the goods that either one has.

"There are precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it." Proverbs 21:20, Amplified

Either man has the potential to be rich and well off, however, only one makes the right choices concerning his treasures. A wise man pays his bills and stores some of his treasures away for a "rainy day". The foolish man, though, decides to squander all that he has so that there is nothing to show for it.

Contentious Woman II (Proverbs 21:19)

Sometimes a man has nowhere else to go other than a corner of a rooftop or the hot desert to get as far as he can from a contentious woman.

"It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious woman and vexation." Proverbs 21:19, Amplified

Just like the rooftop scenario, an uncomfortable and dangerous place is safer than with a contentious woman.

Ransom (Proverbs 21:18)

Ransom: the payment demanded for the release of a person or persons being held against their will. A ransom is actually a trade off; monies paid ensure the life of another. In the Bible, it was a sin for the Jews to number themselves, however the Lord had Moses number the people in Exodus 30. The penalty for numbering was death. To ensure the life of His children, the Lord instructed Moses to receive a ransom from the people. There was no death that day.

"The wicked shall be a ransom for the [uncompromisingly] righteous, and the treacherous for the upright [because the wicked fall themselves into the traps and pits they have dug for the good]." Proverbs 21:18, Amplified

The ransom paid by the wicked for the righteous is the payment made by the simple act of irony. In other words, the wicked and treacherous men have prepared pits and traps for the righteous men of this world. These pits and traps actually become the undoing of the wicked men for they themselves become victims of their own calamity.

So what ransom is paid? A pit is dug and a trap is set for the specific purpose of catching or ensnaring something. They demand payment, for they remain set and ready to go off until something unwittingly wanders into the pit or trap. For the wicked that pray needs to be the righteous, however, they wicked become the ransom, a trade, for the life of the wicked: the trade off is the wicked for the righteous.

Luxury (Proverbs 21:17)

There are those who love to live luxuriously; riches will elude them for the rest of their lives.

"He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich." Proverbs 21:17, Amplified

In our society, there are those who are living luxuriously and loving it. So is this a contradiction? Is the Bible wrong? No. We have to look at this with new and fresh eyes. we can ask ourselves the question, "What happens when the money runs out?" Just look at Lindsey Lohan. She is a party girl who loves to live the party lifestyle. Now there is no money left for her to cover legal fees to fight the latest charges after she failed her last sobriety test.

There are also those who are living the luxurious lifestyle on the outside, but truly they are just trying to keep up with the payments. If we live outside of our means then we will never be set or be able to leave am inheritance for our children.

Wandering Hearts (Proverbs 21:16)

When are we really dead? Can we die before we actually take our last breath?

"The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall abide in the congregation of the spirits - of the dead." Proverbs 21:16, Amplified

Notice the vernacular of the verse. It is speaking of one who has wandered out of the way of understanding. This is a man who has been in the way of understanding then. He is a man who has taken no care in watching his steps. His focus has moved and he begins to wander. We can liken this to driving. Sometimes when we lose focus and maybe begin to think of other things rather than the road we are traveling, we can wander from our lane into another lane. Luckily there are those little things on the road that our tires hit to remind us that we are wandering.

The Lord is the same way. He will not just allow us to wander without a warning system. But what happen if we do wander fully from the way. We will die. Just like Adam and Eve. We may not die instantly from a physical death, but we can and will die spiritually.

Created to Worship (Proverbs 21:15)

There is a certain satisfaction that comes to a Christian when he or she is doing the work of the Lord.

"When justice is done it is a joy to the righteous [the upright, in right standing with God]; but to the evil doers it is dismay, calamity and ruin." Proverbs 21:15, Amplified

We are all made in the image of God and built to do His work. When we are within His will and doing these things that He desires, then we are truly happy. It is like the a gear, only meant to perform a singular purpose. It must be placed somewhere specific within the machine. If it is misplaced, then the machine will not act appropriately, if at all. Also, if the gear is used in a different fashion, the result will not produce goodness. A gear will never be a wheel and it will never perform the way a wheel should perform because it is a gear. The same can be said of us. We are never going to be truly happy when we are performing and living in sin because we were created to worship the Lord.

The wicked and evil doers, that justice that is performed by the righteous, will become their undoing. If we are not doing righteous things, then where are we within this spectrum? The answer is simple: if we are not performing the good things of the Lord, then we are performing the sinful things of self.

Gifts and Bribes (Proverbs 21:14)

Here is another verse in the Proverbs that is difficult to explain.

"A gift in secret pacifies and turns away anger, and a bribe in the lap, strong wrath." Proverbs 21:14, Amplified

To be truthfully honest, I do not know how to go about explaining this verse. It seems as though this verse is actually encouraging bribes. As I stated before, the Bible seems not to dissuade anyone from bribing; in other words, it is neither condoned nor encouraged nor discouraged.

Anyone can verify, however, that gifts to calm angry hearts and that a bribe may definitely go a long way.

Heed to the Calling (Proverbs 21:13)

It has been said that if we wish to be treated a certain way, then we, too, must treat others the same way. Jesus Himself said to do unto others as we would have others do to us.

"Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor will cry himself and not be heard." Proverbs 21:13, Amplified

When I read the words, "stops his ears", I think of a child who has shoved his two index fingers into his ear canals, thus quieting the flow of noise into his ears. But this is no joke. We must not stop our ears when we hear the poor cry out for help. This does not have to be a financial poorness either. One who is poor simply does not have the resources to help himself.

Jesus told a story about such a man who closed his ears and would not hear the cries of someone else. This man had a huge debt to pay, but because of his cries, he was released from his debt. But how thankful was he? This is what he did after he was released from his own debt. He went out and found one who owed him money as well. One would think that he would show the same benevolence upon him, but no. "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what he had done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that he had done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (Matthew 18:29-35, NKJV) It does not matter what the cry is, we must have compassion just as compassion has been given to us. It does not matter if it is dealing with a debt owed to yourself or someone needs help in some other way, we must heed to the higher calling that we have in our lives. If we do not, we are in danger. "For judgement is without mercy tot he one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement." (James 2:13, NKJV)

Overthrow (Proverbs 21:12)

Have you ever looked and seen how the wicked seem to flourish? Well, not to worry. The Lord sees them too and they will be overthrown.

"The [uncompromisingly] righteous man considers well the house of the wicked, how the wicked are cast to ruin." Proverbs 21:12, Amplified

If you are following along in another version like the New King James, you may be scratching your head right now. The two versions seem to be at odds with each other. Here is how the New King James reads, "The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness."

One version speaks about a righteous God and the other about a righteous man. The answer, however, lies within the syntax. In the New King James we find that it is God who overthrows the wicked. In the Amplified we are met by a righteous man who considers the wicked and how they will be cast down. In other words, the righteous man knows and understands that the days of the wicked will always be numbered and that it is not he who needs to overthrow the wicked, but God will.

Learning (Proverbs 21:11)

Some people need an outside stimulus to help them learn, others just need to be taught and they will learn.

"When the scoffer is punished, the fool gets a lesson in being wise; but men of wisdom and good sense learn by being instructed." Proverbs 21:11, Amplified

The difference between foolish and wise men is a desire to learn. For the fool, he learns simply because he does not want the same fate to befall him that the scoffer did. In other words, he learns because he does not want to be caught, so he devises new ways to go about his foolishness.

As for the wise man, he learns because he has a desire to. There is something within that wants to succeed. Yes the fool wants to succeed in his foolishness, but the wise man wants to succeed to better himself, his family and others around him. The wise man needs no example to encourage him to learn.

Self Serving (Proverbs 21:10)

No good can come from having an evil heart.

"The soul or life of the wicked craves and seeks evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes." Proverbs 21:10, Amplified

There are some things in this life that are just natural. Man goes about his way, however, he needs food and water to continue. In man's natural spiritual state, all he desires in the evil things. Now when I say evil, I do not mean things of a Satanic nature, though that may be the case for some. Man in his natural state is self serving so the things that he desires are not of God, therefore they are evil.

The evil man also shows no favor to his neighbor because he is self serving. "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" (James 2:16, NKJV) However, if we change our hearts and turn to God, we become less self serving and more focused on the needs of others so that our benedictions are not just empty words, but backed with loving actions.

Contentious Woman (Proverbs 21:9)

There are plenty of things that a man can deal with, however, one of them is not a contentious woman.

"It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a nagging, quarrelsome and faultfinding woman." Proverbs 21:9, Amplified

It is quite a funny picture to paint within the mind, to see a man on the corner of a house. It is a precarious and uncomfortable place for him to be. However, the precariousness and uncomfortableness is much better than a woman who is obnoxious and quarrelsome. This woman is special to him, too. She is his wife. He has made a covenant to stay with her to death do them part. This is why it is so important to pray fervently about who it is your are to marry. My mother prayed for my wife since I was in the second grade. She knew that whomever she was, she must be very special. I will tell you what, I see no rooftops in my future.

Focus II (Proverbs 21:8)

There is a vast difference in the paths of the wicked and the pure.

"The way of the guilty is exceedingly crooked, but as for the pure, his work is right and his conduct is straight." Proverbs 21:8, Amplified

The way of the guilty is only crooked because he is constantly trying to find a new path to try and keep him from being caught and found out. His focus is all off. But the pure, his path is straight because his focus is on the Lord. There was a farmer once who had the straightest furrows in the county. When asked how he plowed such straight furrows, his answer was very simple. "I find something to focus on at the end of the field and I never keep my eyes off of it, for if I do, my furrows will become crooked." It is all about what our focus is upon. If we keep our eyes glued to the Lord, then ours paths will be straight and pure.

Choose to Build on the Rock (Proverbs 21:7)

There are people out there who will constantly be a destructive force to themselves because they refuse to do the good things.

"The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, because they refuse to do justice." Proverbs 21:7, Amplified

How does one refuse to do justice, exactly? They refuse to do it because they have a clear understanding of what it is and choose to do the opposite. This is only because the foundation of their belief system is not based on Jesus. Paul tells us about that foundation in First Corinthians. Jesus even told a parable about two men building houses. One chose to build on the rock, which is Jesus) and the other chose to build on the sand. What happened to the second man? "[He is] like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." (Matthew 7:26b-27, NKJV)

The violent man who chooses to do something different, other than what is just, will fall. Our foundation must must be on the Lord and His Word. Why? "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV) This is not a question to the reader from God as if it deserved an answer. Rather this is a rhetorical question, meaning that has the Lord shown us all these things already? Yes. Where? In His Word. And if we begin our day with Him and go to Him throughout the day, we will not fall, we will not falter, because we are relying upon Him as we build our houses of faith. Violence comes from the recesses of the heart when we do not allow the Lord to touch us.

Truth is Treasure (Proverbs 21:6)

To search after something is always a good thing, especially if that thing is treasure. But if we must lie to obtain it, then the gaining of that treasure will mean nothing.

"Securing treasures by a lying tongue is a vapor driven to and fro; those who seek them seek death." Proverbs 21:6, Amplified

A vapor is something that is not solid and is easily moved and hard to obtain. In actuality. a mirage is light playing off of the vapors of heat coming off the sand. The reason that the Bible correlates the seeking of treasure by lying to also seeking after death is that our focus becomes so consumed by that treasure, nothing else matters. nay men have died in a barren desert seeking after the oasis that is really a mirage.

Jesus Himself said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32, NKJV) That truth may not be full of riches, but at least we will be free. Truth never leads to bondage, eventually truth will bring us into the hands of our Father.

Life or Death (Proverbs 21:5)

Patience is a virtue that most do not have. However, if we posses it, we will surely be blessed.

"The thoughts of the [steadily] diligent tend only to plenteousness, but everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want." Proverbs 21:5, Amplified

It takes diligence to get to a goal. The higher the goal, the more diligence one needs. It is like the fable of the tortoise and the hare. The hare ran with speed and became overly confident and hastened toward the goal only to convince himself that his win was sure. Meanwhile, the tortoise was slow and steady. His speed never faltered, but his diligence to win the race brought him to his goal.

Goals are never intended to be reached quickly, they are challenges set up to bring out the best in each one of us. Athletes set many goals for themselves just as chefs and other professionals do. We, as Christians, are given the goal to be like Jesus. Upon our conversion, that goal seems so very far away. But through a series of trials and tests, more of the flesh is taken away so that more of Him might shine through. To be like Jesus is not something one attains overnight, rather it is actually something achieved upon death. But our diligence to exemplify Him in our lives will be rewarded and to hasten that goal will only lead to tragedy.

Provisions (Proverbs 21:4)

As we draw further away from the Lord, whatever it is that we do becomes a sin to God.

"Haughtiness of the eyes and a proud heart, even the tillage of the wicked, or the lamp of joy to them, [whatever it may be] is sin [in the eyes of God]." Proverbs 21:4, Amplified

Our own haughtiness and pride can build up a wall between us and the Lord. The more prideful we become, the less we render to his account. In other words, we take all the credit. But as we draw further and further away from Him, we do less and less in His name and thank Him less and less for the things that we receive. Whatever brings us joy, we only have that joy because we accomplished something by our own hands. We till the ground to get ready to plant in the expectation that we will receive a bountiful crop because of what wee have done. The Lord is so good to all of us. Everything we do, we must gives thank s to Him for the knowledge that He has given us to perform whatever task it may be and also thank Him for the outcome of that task. Jehovah Jireh, He provides for us everything that we need, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

K.I.S.S. [Keep It Simple Stupid] (Proverbs 21:3)

Sometimes simple actions are so much more important to the Lord than what we think.

"To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." Proverbs 21:3, Amplified

Simple acts of obedience are more important to the Lord than huge acts of liturgy. We think that we need to do something great to please Him when all it takes is obedience. "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NKJV) Where is the sacrifice at? The Lord does not need the blood of bulls and goats to be pleased. "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6, NKJV)

Religion always seems to place a huge emphasis on sacrifices and offerings, but the Lord only desires obedience. Can we still sacrifice and give Him offerings? Of course. But the Lord would rather our hearts be right with him first before we gave the sacrifice and offering. "'To what purpose is the multitude of you sacrifices to Me?' says the Lord. 'I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls or of lambs or goats.'" (Isaiah 1:11, NKJV) "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as the iniquity of idolatry." (First Samuel 15:22-23a, NKJV) The Lord makes it very clear what He desires of His children.

Open Books (Proverbs 21:2)

There are hidden agendas and personal gain behind most decisions that a man makes. Not everyone thinks this way, but the Lord knows the hearts of men.

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts." Proverbs 21:2, Amplified

Every day in life is full of decisions like what to where, where to go, what to do, who to help. So many different things. And the decisions we make may seem right to us, but the Lord truly knows what is in the heart. There is no getting around this fact. He is omniscient, and He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Jesus dealt with the Pharisees quite frequently. In every meeting, or ambush, Jesus called them out for what they really were. In one altercation, Jesus said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination to God." (Luke 16:15, NKJV) Even Jeremiah was inspired by the Spirit to write concerning the heart of man. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doing." (Jeremiah 17:9-10, NKJV)

our hearts are an open book to the Lord. Notice how we are not that frog being dissected by an adolescent God. We are that book, being read thoroughly, every page being studied. "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light." (Mark 4:22, NKJV)

The Choices We Make (Proverbs 21:1)

The Lord is in control of everything. No matter what the situation or the circumstances, the Lord knows what is happening and how to control the situation and its outcome.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He will." Proverbs 21:1, Amplified

The one reason why the Proverbs focus so much on "kings" in general is that the Lord wants His children to know and to understand that no matter what the status is of a person, He is still God, He is still in control.

The verse is not trying to say that the Lord moves a man despite his own "free will". The Bible tells us, "Let every soul be subject tot he governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Romans 13:1, NKJV) No king that is, or was, or will be ever surprises God. He has appointed everyone to his position. This includes our current president.

Will God "control" man? No, for this would be a violation of man's free will. The verse never states that the Lord will control the king, rather He turns the heart of the king. It is more like a bend in a river, the river's natural inclination is now to go the direction of the bend and not the other direction or even straight. The paths of man can be viewed the same way. When there is a bend in our path, or even a Rock, our natural inclination is to follow the direction of the path. Go knows exactly what will happen in any given situation. The choices that our president is making today, the Lord knows that he was going to make them. He knows the outcome of Obamah, if he will enjoy another term and the state of our country. Believe it or not, the heart of Obamah is in the hands of the Almighty Jehovah, not Allah. Obamah is going the same direction the Lord intends.

Discipline II (Proverbs 20:30)

Sometimes discipline can be physical.

"Blows that wound cleanse away evil, and strokes [for correction] reach the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:30, Amplified

The Bible never encourages us to beat and abuse our children, however, it does encourage a physical discipline. When it say spare the rod and spoil the child, it is not saying to not discipline. What it is pointing to is that if we are to stop with the discipline, the child will be spoiled.

No one enjoys physical discipline, but they always seem to reach deeper into the heart of the person receiving them. Blows and strokes speak more loudly than actual verbal warnings. Again,I am not encouraging anyone to beat their child. However, I am telling you that words do not work. The state of rebellion that most of American youth are in right now is because of a lack of physical discipline.