Proverbs 23:13-14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God says...

“Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell.” (Proverbs 23:13-14 NKJV)

God's words give so much emphasis on correcting a child. It is our Heavenly Father's innate purpose for each and every child to grow and lead the life He designed them to be. And, that is every parent's dream, seeing their children become the kind of person God has purposed them to have - a life of excellence and success in the sight of God in every endeavors they take.

Hence, He reminds every parent not to restrain correction, knowing that every parent is tempted to withhold it. Discipline is painful. And, no parent wants to see and hear their jewel child cry. But, true love for a child looks beyond the now and the tears. For every child, God has a life of hope and future. We are all predestined for His glory. That's what matters - a life set for eternity. This passage reminds that withholding the rod as a last resort for discipline is not love. It is the embodiment of “hatred” - like paving a child's path to eternal damnation and hell.

As sons and daughters of God in Christ by faith, we have a calling and a mission. For our serious reflection, His edifying words declare: “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:5-11 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.