Looking after two pre-schoolers as I do, this chapter provided some good validation for the effort it takes to persuade and correct them that “Mummy knows best.” The book of Proverbs contains such wonderful wisdom for life. Chapter 29 just oozes with “food for thought”—and guidance.

In our parenting, it encourages us to do the hard thing and discipline our children, even though it takes a lot more effort than just letting things slide. It teaches us the value of saying the hard things to our friends and family who are making ungodly choices, when it would be so much easier to pretend there are no issues.  We are warned, though, that choosing to live by a different code than those around us could make us distasteful to them.

In our interpersonal relationships this chapter teaches us to avoid living in fear of other people’s opinions, but rather to put our sense of validation in God. We should avoid flattering others in an attempt to manipulate them. In all things we should keep our cool.

A concept that is repeated in this passage is that children, workers and nations, indeed all of us, do better with a little discipline and a little imposed restraint. A healthy fear of God helps us all to keep to what we know is right.

Be encouraged knowing that your efforts to instil discipline into your family and your life or your decision not to just take the path of least resistance is ultimately what is best for you, your family, your community and your nation. I know that today it has been an encouragement to me.