Solomon’s wisdom for parents is very practical.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother,” (Proverbs 29:15).
Left alone are keys words here.
The Hebrew means “set free, unrestrained, left to himself.”
When I saw that, I immediately thought of…
Screen time.
Cell phones.
Alone in their rooms on computers.
At their friend’s house.
Without oversight.
Solomon, I would suggest, would call those foolish parents.
Kids need to be taught a work ethic. “A slack hand causes poverty” (Proverbs 10:4a).
They also need to be disciplined by their parents, God’s representatives.
An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Boys and girls inherited the sinful nature of their parents. Their sinful nature stubbornly resists correction. They need the threat of punishment, according to God’s Word.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom…” (29:15a).
Wisdom, per Solomon, is trust in the Lord Jesus, a humble, repentant heart and…discipline.
And, very much so, a willingness to discipline children, and the children to submit and respect their parents.
Little Johnny left alone is not only unwise but very dangerous for his soul care.
What’s the motivation for such love? These kids are His kids, whom He deeply loves.
“Don’t mess with My kids!” says God.