Proverbs Chapter 13. In the Old Testament, a rebellious son was to be taken to the edge of the city and stoned to death. This was a drastic measure, but I believe we are to see in that lesson that a person who will not be instructed is headed for destruction. Loving parents rebuke their children when they are in error. When Proverbs 13:24 is seen in its correct, biblical context, it is evident that the rod in this passage, refers to a parent’s use of wise discipline to teach their child important lessons in life. Based on this foundation, we build the framework for godly parenting. The truth from Proverbs 13:24 means that godly parenting requires discipline, which includes physical pain. This does not mean child abuse, which is a criminal act of inflicting on a child out of anger and malice.Every verse in the book of Proverbs holds gems of wisdom from the Lord… whether they are words or warning or precious pearls of instruction – exhortation to live a godly life of simply encouragement to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to keep the eyes of our heart firmly fasted onto our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The council in this little verse of Scripture has colossal consequences, for although the mouth is so small, and the tongue is a tiny member of the body, it has far reaching ramifications. Jesus tells us that it is the words that comes out of the mouth that defiles a man, for our speech reflects the thoughts of our heart, while James reminds us that a tiny spark, carelessly cast from the tongue, can ignite a great and destructive inferno. How true that the one who guards his mouth and the word of his lips will keep himself out of trouble and preserve his life, while the one who opens his lips wide in careless cackling will come to ruin, how important therefore to let all the conversation that pours from our lips, be always full of grace and seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of One whose words were gracious and kind; wise and instructive, for who spoke the truth in love. As we bathe the thoughts of our heart in the Word of God and meditate on the truth of His wisdom, we will not only guard our mouth to keep us from evil but will pour out His words of healing and help to others, until it is not I that speak, but Christ that speaks through me.
Proverbs Chapter 13:1-25
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for my body, which is fearfully and wonderfully made by You. Guard my heart, (the words I feel), ears, (the words I hear), eyes, (the stuff I see), and tongue, (the words that come from my mouth), from foolish words and ill-considered comments. Let my speech be always gracious, good and kind as I speak the truth in love. I thank You and praise You for the words of wisdom that are found in the bible. Keep me from prideful insolence and destructive strife and teach me to walk in your way, to receive wisdom, and to be willing to learn from godly counsel. Help me to take to heart all that is written in Your Word, and enable me, in the power of the Spirit, to apply all that I learn by hearing and seeing in my everyday life so that I may not only be a good and faithful witness of Your love and grace, but be a member of Your Body that honors Your Holy Precious Name Jesus Amen.
{Power Verse}
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. Proverbs 13:2
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