Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Proverbs 22:15

We can all relate to folly, whether in our own lives, or observing it in the lives of others. In Proverbs, folly is depicted as arrogant, self-seeking, and short-sided. It is the very antithesis of wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord. Solomon also says folly is something we are born with, and that it is “bound up” (entangled, joined together) in the heart. While the English translation uses the word “child” in the proverb, the Hebrew word is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to refer to an infant (Ex. 2:6), a 17-year-old (Genesis 37:2), and a “youth” (1 Sam 17:33). In other words, folly is not something that goes away on its own over time. So, what is the remedy?

The “rod of discipline drives folly far away” says Solomon. At first reading, one might think of the rod as merely an instrument of inflicting disciplinary pain. However, the rod (also translated staff, scepter) in the Old Testament is a much more robust symbol: it guides and leads, protects, counts, aids (in walking terrain), and is a symbol of authority (Moses, Jesus; Rev. 12:5). And in that symbol of authority, it brings comfort (Psalm 23:4). 

Discipline (correction, instruction) is a virtual synonym of wisdom for the purpose of developing godly character. It stems from love, and is not punitive or retributive (Deut. 8:5). While in the “moment” it seems to hurt, those who are properly trained by it produce “the fruit of righteousness.” (Heb. 12:11). 

The point of this proverb is to encourage all adults and youth to embrace biblical discipline - which is the firm, loving correction of God for the purpose of shaping us to be more like Jesus. But remember, discipline is not punishment. Punishment only seeks to be recompensed, while discipline only seeks to correct something for going forward. When it comes to parenting, diligent discipline is as necessary to raising children through their teenage years, as a rod is to care for sheep: guiding, leading, protecting, comforting, and correcting.

Application:

1) If you are a parent and weary of disciplining your child, don’t give up. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to continue to be diligent to properly guide, lead, protect, and correct. 

2) If you are uncertain “how to discipline” (yourself, a child, friend, spouse), ask for help and advice. We are never too old to learn. (Prov. 9:9)

3) Don’t keep the discipline of the Lord in your life to yourself, but share it with trusted friends, your spouse and children. It is not a mark against you, it is a mark that God loves you like a parent loves a child (Heb. 12:7-8).

4) If you are entangled in folly, call to Jesus, who took your folly (your sin) to the cross, and received the punishment of God so that you could be untangled, and made free to love and worship him (Heb. 5:2,8-9). There is no folly too great for Jesus to untangle you from.

Questions: 

1) What is an area of your life where the Lord has recently disciplined you (corrected or instructed in the midst of a foolish action or decision)? Have you ever shared it with anyone? 

2) Do you have someone in your life that you go to when you need candid advice?

3) What is an area of your life where you need God to discipline you?