What other Proverbs emphasize the importance of discipline and wise stewardship? Focus verse: Proverbs 29:21 “If a servant is pampered from youth, he will bring grief in the end.” At its core, this proverb warns that unchecked indulgence produces heartache. Scripture reinforces the same lesson through many complementary sayings about discipline and stewardship. Personal discipline—diligence over laziness - Proverbs 6:6-11: “Go to the ant, O sluggard… and poverty will come upon you like a robber.” - Proverbs 10:4: “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” - Proverbs 12:24: “The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness will end in forced labor.” - Proverbs 13:4: “The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” - Proverbs 13:18: “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” - Proverbs 14:23: “There is profit in all hard work, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” - Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent bring plenty, but whoever is hasty comes only to poverty.” - Proverbs 28:19: “He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” Training the next generation—discipline that blesses - Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:15: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.” - Proverbs 29:15: “A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” - Proverbs 29:17: “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.” - Proverbs 13:24: “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” - Proverbs 23:13-14: “Do not withhold discipline from a child… you will rescue his soul from Sheol.” Stewardship of possessions—watchful, prudent care - Proverbs 27:23-24: “Be sure to know the state of your flocks… riches are not forever.” - Proverbs 21:20: “Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.” - Proverbs 30:25: “The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” - Proverbs 28:20: “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” Consequences of neglect—pictures of ruin - Proverbs 24:30-34: “I passed by the field of a sluggard… poverty will come on you like a robber.” - Proverbs 26:14: “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.” - Proverbs 19:3: “A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the Lord.” Takeaway—discipline now, peace later The thread running through these proverbs is clear: whether managing a household, raising children, or tending personal work, disciplined stewardship safeguards future joy, while indulgence invites grief—the very warning sounded in Proverbs 29:21. |
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