Proverbs 29:1-27

As we observe the people around us and even ourselves we will find that some people thrive and live very rewarding lives while others struggle and seem to live in a constant state of frustration.  Obviously, we would all prefer the former as opposed to the later.  The key to being able to achieve that is to understand the instruction of God’s Word and then live our lives accordingly.  This requires both discernment and discipline.  Discernment is needed to be able to recognize the difference between right and wrong.  Discipline is needed to be able to choose the right over the wrong.  We do not need to live in frustration; God wants us to thrive in our lives of service to Him.

DISCERNMENT: Discernment is the ability to distinguish between two or more things that differ.  This chapter sets forth a great number of contrasts between that which is right and that which is wrong.  Some people receive instruction over and over again but stubbornly refuse to change, this will lead to destruction.  Doing what is right will always lead to rejoicing but disobedience brings about great grief.  The love of wisdom will make our families proud but immorality will make them poor.  Justice brings prosperity while bribery brings destruction.  Our sins will always be discovered and come back to haunt us but the righteous will live rejoicing.  The discerning will recognize the needs of those less fortunate and make provisions for those needs.  Some people seek to inflame others while others have the ability to calm them down.  Discretion and patience are keys to living a life of discernment.


DISCIPLINE: Discipline is the ability to choose what is right even in the face of ridicule or hardship.  Sinfulness has been inflicted on the hearts of all mankind, God gives all of us life but He also provides a way that we can escape from our own sinfulness through the discipline of His Word and the people He has established to instruct us.  Kings should be faithful in their judgments independent of the subject’s financial standing.  Our parents discipline us so we can understand the importance of submission and obedience.  When evil is allowed to go unchecked by discipline great suffering will follow.  Disciplined children are a source of great joy.  The instruction of prophets from God is essential an orderly life.  There are some foolish men who will not learn obedience through instruction so they must be disciplined with physical punishment so they will understand that sin as consequences.  The use of our words is, perhaps, the hardest area of our lives to discipline so we must take extra care when we are about to talk.  Pride is extremely dangerous so humility is a great priority in our lives.  The fear of man will trap us and keep us from trusting God.  Faith and humility are essential elements of discipline.

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