conscience. When the offended conscience is aroused, correction and
discipline can find their mark.
(^) Two biblical illustrations elucidate this issue. Proverbs 23
justifies the use of the rod in correction. Verses 13 and 14 read: “Do
not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod,
he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from
death.” The rod, however, is not the only instrument of training in the
passage. There is another. It is appeal to the conscience. Earnest
entreaty fills this chapter of Proverbs:
(^) “Don’t let your heart envy sinners ... ” (v. 17).
(^) “ ... keep your heart on the right path ... ” (v. 19).
(^) “Listen to your father, who gave you life ... ” (v. 22).
(^) “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and
understanding” (v. 23).
(^) “My son, give me your heart ... ” (v. 26).
(^) The passage actually drips with sweet and tender entreaty that
appeals to the conscience. Is Solomon soft on the rod? No! But he
realizes the limitation of the rod. He knows that the rod gets the
attention, but the conscience must be plowed up and planted with the
truth of God’s ways.
(^) Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees provides another graphic
example of appeal to the conscience. In Matthew 21:23, the chief
priests and the elders challenge Christ’s authority. He responds with
the parable of the two sons:
(^) “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He
went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the
vineyard.’
(^) “ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and
went.