Importance of discipline

Proverbs 29:17 “Discipline your son, and he will bring you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” All of us have seen emotional support dogs.  If the dog offers true emotional support, it has been highly trained.  If it is a dog which is an untrained dog it is not only a nuisance to the owner, but also the same to everyone he is around.  Which would you rather be in the presence of?  The same truth applies to us and our children.  Loving discipline is essential to healthy living.  The rewards of such discipline are wonderfully obedient and faithful children.  God applies that same thought as He raises us. Have a great weekend.

Self control

Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” There is always a calm which surrounds a person who enjoys living with the thoughtful understanding of the value of God given wisdom.  Being smart and being wise are two totally different characteristics.  A fool can be smart, but a fool can never be wise.  Wisdom demands an extremely close relationship with one’s Heavenly Father.  You and I should continually live to attain both wisdom and an active walk side by side with our Heavenly Father.

Love wisdom

Proverbs 29:3a “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father…” Isn’t it interesting that the most precious commodity you have is an intangible?  That one commodity affects all the rest.  Without possessing this one intangible, all tangible things become sinking sand, but possessing this one tangible all else becomes of value.  With the possession of this one intangible, wisdom, life itself becomes so precious and all else is orderly and gains purpose.  Pray for and live with wisdom.  You will bring joy and purpose to others.

Greed or trust?

Proverbs 28:25 “A greedy men stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.” Our Heavenly Father’s promises never fail.  That statement instills such a trust in our God that if you and I rely on Him, our life on this earth is guaranteed as successful.  We have to not only recognize our trust in our God, but also teach that trust to our children and grandchildren.

Time always wins

Proverbs 28:23 “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.” An initial reaction to discipline is often rebellion and a dislike for the corrective words.  Our human nature does not enjoy discipline, just the opposite.  Given time, however, there is a lesson learned and the recipient of the discipline realizes his error and becomes a better person.  Ignoring an issue or condoning where correction is needed will have shown the opposite of wisdom and loss would be the only result.

Principles easily sold

Proverbs 28:21 “To show partiality is not good—yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.” Can you or I be bribed?  That is, will either of us cheat or lie or gossip or curse or steal (just a little item) or …the list is endless, yet we all fall guilty and fail for such little pleasures.  Our author says–for a slice of bread, meaning, for so little satisfaction.  You and I must always be on our guard that we never betray our Heavenly Father no matter the seeming tiny earthly reward.  Obedience is far more important than teenie earthly pleasure. Have a great weekend.

Again, be blessed

Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” Question—–Are you eager to be faithful or are you more eager to be financially secure?  God is telling each of us—be eager to be faithful and I will be sure to make you absolutely secure in earthly blessings.  I have to ask myself the same question you ask yourself—-who am I working for, myself or my Savior?  The answer will establish my and your peace, security, comfort and totally contented lifestyle.

Plenty of…

Proverbs 28:16 “He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his full of poverty.” This simple truth has been truth since the beginning of time.  God has promised abundance to those who work and to those who do not work the opposite is true.  If a person loves swimming and goes into a pool, he/she will not only enjoy the experience, he/she will definitely get wet.  If a person enjoys thinking about swimming but never goes into a pool, neither the pleasure of the activity nor the experience of getting wet will ever happen.  Is there a simpler truth? 

Be blessed

Proverbs 28:14 “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” How can anyone not live in awe at the wonders of God?  From Creation to Redemption through Eternity there is not one person on earth who should not stand and marvel at the incomprehensible wonders of our Faithful God.  Unfortunately, the world is full of those who are lost souls.  Praise and thank God that He has opened your eyes, while praying for those who presently live in a world of sadness.

Think carefully

Proverbs 28:6 “A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.” Earthly wealth is very short lived.  Practiced wisdom is not only a treasure while living on this earth, it is also an everlasting gift which will be enjoyed for eternity.  To have our Heavenly Father at our side is a treasure of such untold value–it is impossible to measure.  Earthly wealth can be a blessing, but wisdom is a far more valuable treasure.

When is poor good? When is wealth good?

Proverbs 28:6 “Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.” Being blameless or being perverse–that is the choice while being wealthy or having little is incidental.  One could be poor and perverse or rich and perverse while another could be poor and blameless or rich and blameless.  Usually those with wealth are admired, but God is telling us possessions don’t tell the story—character and the way a person lives life is what should be admired.  Walking with our Heavenly Father at our side is the key to success.

Bold or scared?

Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Stability in life and death is an awesome treasure.  Living in fear is never enjoyable.  If a person lives with the assurance of his/her Heavenly Father constantly walking at one’s side, there is never an earthly fear which can shake stability.  Without our Savior’s presence, stability, comfort, security and peace are never experienced and fleeting pleasure as a substitute lacks all the treasure a person could be enjoying.