I remember as a child that whenever my grandmother, who raised me, disciplined me, I would become so upset. I would start crying, and she would say, “If you don’t stop that crying, I’m going to get my belt and give you something to cry for.” Those words still ring out in my heart today because I know now that her discipline for me was done out of her love for me. She corrected me, and even punished me, so that I would not continue to make a mess of my life and/or cause pain for others. I thank God for that discipline because it prevented me from doing some things I was about to do. That is how God disciplines us. His love for us is deep. In Proverbs 13:24, we find these words:

“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.”

The writer of this wise passage of scripture makes it clear of the need for discipline throughout this chapter. The writer speaks about the wisdom of those who are recipients of discipline. In verse fourteen he says, “The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain.” Thank God for the discipline He gives to us as well as the discipline we receive from our parents. Take a moment to reflect on your life. What would your life be without discipline? We all need discipline in our lives so that our lives will be blessed.