Parents Are to Parent

(Proverbs 29:15 KJV)  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Being a parent is a difficult task.  Even those who are giving it the attention demanded will often find that they don’t know which way to turn.  Often the stubborn nature of the free will makes it seem like the child will never learn or make the right choices. 

This is a word of caution to those who decide that they have other priorities.  Many people with children refuse to be parents.  Instead they adopt what is popular in our culture, the role of buddy and friend.  They don’t want to constrain the child or impose their own preferences.  So they let the child “get his own way” (7971) as the NASB puts it.  The KJV brings more insight when it says, “left to himself”. 

The Bible says that we as parents have a responsibility to embrace God’s standards for ourselves and also impose them on our children.  We do this because we believe the Bible is the Word of God and gives us the truth.  It makes a difference.

So?  Remember that truth is not negotiable or optional.  We are called to accept it, live it and teach it.  It isn’t easy but it is right.