(^) My son, give me your heart
(^) and let your eyes keep to my ways...
(^) (Proverbs 23:26)
(^) These passages couple the rod with rich entreaty. Solomon weds
extensive communication and the rod. Both are essential to biblical
childrearing. Together they form a God-pleasing, spiritually
satisfying, cohesive, and unified approach to discipline, correction,
and training of children. The use of the rod preserves biblically-
rooted parental authority. God has given parents authority by calling
them to act as his agents in childrearing. The emphasis on rich
communication prohibits cold, tyrannical discipline. It provides a
context for honest communication in which the child can be known
and learn to know himself. It is sensitive, but avoids a “touchy-feely”
sentimentality.
(^) The rod and communication must always be woven together in the
actual shepherding of children. In order to study each, we will
separate them. We will first look at communication (chapters 8–10),
and then the rod (chapter 11).
(^) Here is an excerpt from a recent conversation I had with a father.
(^) “Tell me about your communication with your son,” I queried.
(^) “Oh, we talk okay,” he responded. “Just last night he told me he
wanted a bicycle and I told him to eat his beans.”
(^) The comment brought a smile to my face, but as I reflected on it, I
realized it was probably an accurate description of communication
between most parents and their children. Moms and dads tell the
children what to do. Kids tell their parents their wishes and dreams.
Communication is Dialogue, Not Monologue
(^) We often think of communication as the ability to express
ourselves. Accordingly, we think of ourselves as talking t o our
children. Instead, you should seek to talk with your children.
barré
(Barré)
#1