Bible Reading: Proverbs 28-29; 2 Corinthians 7
Memory verse: “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Proverbs 29:15 (KJV)
Some years ago I walked into a store and met some people gathered in a corner; security men, attendants and some customers. Among the customers is a middle aged woman with a young boy of about 12. The woman was in tears and covering her face. I found out the woman and her child were detained because the little boy was caught shoplifting. She was made to pay for all the goods her son took because he destroyed some of the wrappers in an attempt to evade security. Unknown to him, the cameras in the shop gave him out
Again, I met the same woman crying outside, telling the kid how disappointed she was. I asked the woman if this was the first time her boy is doing this. She said this is the third time that they are being detained in less than two months. I asked if the husband is aware of the boy’s situation. Her response shocked me; She says her husband will kill the son if he got to know. So, she has been handling it on her own, covering the boy whenever he steals. Sadly, not letting the father know has allowed him get bolder in the act.
God has plans for children that must be executed through the parents. Discipline is a non-negotiable thing the parent must not hold back from. The earlier they start disciplining a child the better for everyone. Today’s scripture puts the mother as the one who bears the shame. Mother’s tend to indulge their children to the point of being blind to their wrongs. The emotions they bring in tend to affect the child negatively. God holds parent accountable for the discipline or lack of same for their children.
Proverbs 22:15 (NKJV) says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Never you hold back the rod from your kids. The rod is an instrument God recommends to drive foolishness from the kids.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu