Proverbial Hump Day: Proverbs 13:1

A wise son heed's discipline

The proverbs are a rich source of wisdom. From verse to verse, it offers inspiration, conviction, and correction. Let’s consider Proverbs 13:1:

A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Some Bible versions replace the word “discipline” with “instruction.” I like “discipline” better because embroiled into the concept of discipline is instruction. However, discipline is much more than that. It is instruction that may often appear as rebuke, correction, or criticism. Unfortunately, we live in a day when people refuse to listen to wise counsel.

The Hebrew word for “discipline” in this verse is musar. Literally, it means “to chastise.”

Source: Pexels

To chastise someone is to correct them harshly. The verse is not intended to encourage fathers to discipline their children harshly. Rather, it is to encourage sons (and daughters) to heed their fathers’ instruction should harsh criticism be necessary (and sometimes it is).

Of course, fathers can also be too harsh, too critical, or inconsistent, in which case they run the risk of provoking their children to wrath. Ephesians 6:4 offers this biblical alternative:

instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Of course, included in the fruit of the spirit are patience, gentleness, and self-control. A father who exercises these virtues is more likely to develop sons who embody the spirit of Proverbs 13:1.

But the mocker …

Another word for “mocker” is “scoffer.” These are the people who brush off any mention of God or moral order. They don’t believe in it and won’t submit to it. They will be subject to their own destiny, carved out for them by their hardness of hearts.

God calls us who are faithful to even be gentle with those who mock us for our faith. Why? In hope that God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.

The mockers may scoff, but God’s people are called to a life of peace, patience, and gentleness. That includes heeding the discipline of our fathers.

Allen Taylor is the author of I Am Not the King.