By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Accepting Discipline
Proverbs 29:1–3, 12–20
The Goal (1–3)
The stubborn ox would lock its neck so that its head would not turn in the direction the farmer wanted it to go. The bits in the ox’s mouth would cause pain, but the ox would not obey. “Stiff-necked” is an apt description of the person who refuses to respond to divine instruction. God lovingly reprimands His children in order to correct their sinful practices.
Solomon warns that continuous rejection of God’s rebukes would lead to shattering consequences. The phrase “beyond recovery” can also be translated as beyond healing. This phrase may refer to temporal consequences that cannot be reversed even if the person repents and seeks forgiveness. If the fool continues to despise all of God’s rebukes, his destruction will be sudden and without remedy.
The “righteous” are people right with God while the “wicked” are people whose attitudes and actions are in opposition to God’s character. When the “righteous flourish” or increase and thrive in a community, people celebrate. But when the “wicked rule” by coercion and authoritarianism, people grieve.
Solomon writes that the man who consistently seeks wisdom brings great joy to his father. This is an ultimate goal of parenting. Wisdom is the right application of true knowledge that comes from God (Prov. 2:6). So for a person to be righteous and wise implies that he is in relationship with the Lord. This is the desire of every godly parent.
In the Book of Proverbs nothing could be more foolish or destructive than wasting one’s resources on momentary, immoral self-gratification. Lust destroys a heritage. The wise person will flee from selfish lust.
The Availability (12–14)
The influence of the ruler’s personal character on his people involves a fearful responsibility. A wicked prince makes a wicked people. Rulers are to ensure that truth is the foundation upon which every decision is based. Otherwise, corruption will always be present.
Every human being is created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. However, due to human depravity, this truth is often ignored. In verse 13 the “poor” refers to people who have been impoverished by the unjust actions of the rich and powerful, the oppressors. Consequently, they are helpless and in need of legal protection.
While these two categories of people are different, they are on the same level before God. All people are equal before God. It is God who gives life to everyone. We all belong to God and will give an account to God. God will judge even human kings without favoritism.
A king’s administration will fall apart if he gives heed to corrupt counselors. According to verse 14, however, his administration will thrive if he is just to even the weakest people in his kingdom. The king should be the protector of his people, not their oppressor.
The Responsibility (15–17)
Discipline is the order of God’s government, and parents are the administrators of it. Solomon is dealing with a disobedient “youth.” This term applies to a child of any age from infancy to young adulthood.
The purpose for disciplining the child is to correct his unacceptable behavior. Wisdom implies knowing what acceptable behavior is and acting accordingly. If children are not taught godliness, they often grow into self-centered adults who live in rebellion against God.
The Source (18–20)
Without the revelation of God’s guidance and commands, the social and spiritual order would soon collapse. People who hear and obey God’s word will be happy.
Little to no hope exists for people who refuse to receive instruction and continually interrupt while the teacher is talking. The word of God is essential to build and preserve a godly society.
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