Topical Bible: Children were Required: To Submit to Discipline

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In the biblical context, the discipline of children is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of guidance, correction, and instruction in the upbringing of the young. The Scriptures provide numerous references that highlight the necessity for children to submit to discipline as a means of fostering wisdom, righteousness, and a reverence for God.

Proverbs and Parental Discipline

The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the role of discipline in child-rearing. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This verse emphasizes the belief that true parental love involves correction and guidance, suggesting that discipline is an expression of care and concern for the child's well-being.

Proverbs 22:6 further instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This passage underscores the long-term benefits of instilling discipline and moral instruction in children, indicating that such training will have enduring effects throughout their lives.

The Role of Fathers

The New Testament also addresses the responsibility of fathers in the discipline of their children. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the balance required in discipline, warning against harshness that could lead to resentment, while advocating for a nurturing approach grounded in the teachings of the Lord.

Similarly, Hebrews 12:7-11 draws a parallel between divine discipline and parental discipline, stating, "Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" This passage suggests that discipline is a sign of legitimate sonship and is intended for the child's growth and development.

Discipline as a Path to Wisdom

The biblical perspective on discipline is not merely punitive but is seen as a pathway to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 29:15 asserts, "A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces his mother." Here, discipline is associated with the acquisition of wisdom, implying that correction helps children learn discernment and proper conduct.

Furthermore, Proverbs 19:18 advises, "Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." This verse suggests that discipline is a hopeful act, aimed at steering children away from destructive paths and towards a life that honors God and respects others.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for children to submit to discipline is rooted in the belief that such guidance is essential for their moral and spiritual development. Through the consistent application of discipline, children are taught to respect authority, understand the consequences of their actions, and grow in wisdom and righteousness. The Scriptures present discipline as an act of love and a necessary component of a godly upbringing, ensuring that children are equipped to lead lives that reflect the values and teachings of the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:9
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ...
... wife is sanctified by the husband, else were your children unclean, but ... those who
were separated from communion; and that they were not required to refuse ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the lords daythe.htm

Home-Discipline.
... treatment of children as if they were brutes, using no ... wife, parents against children,
and children against each ... used, the whip need scarcely ever be required. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

His Great Controversy
... they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to ... to have done so"that his
principles required a stern ... We find him advising those who were called into ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... first, what is the honor towards parents required by this ... families who fare well
and have many children, they owe ... to be sure, that some of them were brought up ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... they felt that nothing more was required, and did not ... what the Brethren taught their
children we know ... They were less dogmatic, less theological, less concerned ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

The Saybrook Platform and the Toleration Act
... of famalayes instructing and catechising the children and servants being so required
by law ... Bond, Mary Dyer, and Mary Whetherstead were apprehended by ...
/.../chapter vii the saybrook platform.htm

Titus iii. 11-Aug
... In this case a wide distance from others is required. ... as it knew that the Three Children
were the friends ... raging against the Church, two men were apprehended. ...
/.../homily vi titus iii 11-aug.htm

The Letter of Majesty, 1603-1609.
... He was just the man that Budowa required. ... described in Catholic pulpits as heretics
and children of the ... And yet, in some important respects, they were still as ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the letter of.htm

Womanhood of the Byzantine Decadence
... Byzantine etiquette required the widowed empress to weep for ... than she, and she was
compelled to submit. ... during the minority of her children, were chagrined at ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xv womanhood of the byzantine.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... doing right, as far as they knew, whether it were much or ... Lastly, give heed to this,
dear children. ... clergy and for simple laymen; but more is required of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm