One never knows how adult children will end up doing things, but I’ve been highly impressed as I watch ours do the “disciplining thing” with their children. This past weekend has given me a genuine respect for the time and energy, not to mention wisdom, that goes into disciplining the foster-grands!

When wisdom is needed, there is no better place to turn for shaping and correcting a child than in the Book of Proverbs. Chapters 12 & 13 drive home the point with “to learn you must have discipline, it is stupid to hate correction” (12:1, NLT) and “a wise child accepts a parent’s discipline, a mocker refuses to listen to correction” (13:1). Teaching children to listen to correction and grow in wisdom is the wisest thing you can do for a child apart from winning them to Christ!

As my daughter and son-in-law instruct these foster children they (a) do it without the advantage of having started in infancy or even the womb, (b) hit the ground running (no gradual progression), (c) teach wisdom in making good choices, and (d) teach “in discipline” their correction and instruction. “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others” (12:15). “The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain . . .” (13:14a).

Beyond impressed, I am refreshed to see them investing life-giving instruction that, Lord willing, will become a life-flowing fountain for those valued and cherished children.

“Those who love their children care enough to discipline them” (13:24b).