“The rod of correcttion imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.”

By James Davis

The Scriptural passage for today is found in Proverbs 29:15: “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” Discipline must begin and be maintained in the home by both parents, as we well know, but discipline takes time and must be consistent. Sadly, we live in a world suffering from a lack of restraint and discipline. Boundaries are being broken down daily, lawlessness and crime run rampant. We see all about us the results when there is no discipline. Read today’s Scripture several times and think seriously about it. We who are parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts have a responsibility to those little ones placed in our charge. Discipline with love and always with a clear understanding with the child as to why it’s being meted out. Never do it in anger. Children need correction in order to become good, productive citizens and parents. Heed the message intended for us in God’s Word.

Today stands before us. What will we do with it? Despite our plans and foibles, let’s be sure to share with others the love, joy, and kindness with which Jesus has imbued us. I often quote lines from a favorite old gospel song “Give the World a Smile”: “Let your life so be that all the world may see the joy of serving Jesus with a smile, a bright, shining smile.” Try it.