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Instruction= [Discipline NLT]: punish; to train or develop by instruction or exercise; self-control; to bring under control; to impose order upon.
Hebrew: musar [moo-sawr’]: instruction [30], correction [8], chasten [4], chastisement [3], check [1], bond [1], discipline [1], doctrine [1] rebuker [1]. "Instruction; chastisement; warning." This noun occurs 50 times, mainly in Proverbs. One of the major purposes of the wisdom literature was to teach wisdom and mûsār (Prov. 1:2). Mûsār is discipline, but more. As "discipline" it teaches how to live correctly in the fear of the Lord, so that the wise man learns his lesson before temptation and testing: "Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction" (Prov. 24:32). This "discipline" is training for life; hence, paying attention to mûsār is important. When mûsār as "instruction" has been given, but was not observed, the mûsār as "chastisement" or "discipline" may be the next step: "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him" (Prov. 22:15).
Careful attention to "instruction" brings honor (Prov. 1:9), life (Prov. 4:13), and wisdom (Prov. 8:33), and above all it pleases God: "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord" (Prov. 8:35). Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.
There is so much debate and conversation today concerning correction and reproof of a child. Countless psychologists and medical professionals debate the wisdom of discipline and what type we are to use. The children’s lives are in the balance, and we continue to wage verbal wars over the benefits of ‘spanking’ or just sound instruction in the direction that a child should go.
When I was growing up, I heard quoted many times that if you ‘spare the rod you spoil the child’ Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
My father raised four sons, all have been quite successful in their own field and 76 years into it, I have never heard a negative word spoken about my mom and dad. They are both gone but what a legacy to have, and to this day I have not heard a negative word between my brothers and our relationships. My dad was true to the core and let his yes be yes and his no be no. We always knew where he stood in a situation, and he supported us all the way. They disciplined us often and trusted the Lord for the outcome. “He watches over His word to perform it.”
What a contrast to the children we are raising today. Psychologists and Teachers of children are giving time outs and a multitude of threats and empty promises. Come on parents, let’s get real and get God back into the equation. The children need direction and guidelines to maintain a steady balance in their lives to know that what they are doing is alright. [even adults need our heavenly Father’s discipline to gain strength and confidence. Thank God for the trials for they make you strong]. Children yearn and learn from your discipline and guidance and are empty without it. The children are not wise or experienced enough to run their life until they are old enough to be on their own and can nurture the responsibility to make decisions themselves and pay their own way.
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