Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.  Proverbs 25:12 (NKJV)

As Christians, we know the grace of God in leaving us a book of instructions that, when kept, will make our lives better. We revel in the love He shows us by commanding us to do things for our own good. When we don’t do things His way we understand and can appreciate the fact that He will discipline us so that we see His way as the better way.

A simple example would be the way we treat other people, especially family. When a Mom gets snippy or unkind in response to an angry statement from one of her children, the argument escalates. The Bible is clear that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Christian parents have heard this but fail to apply it at home in the heat of the moment.

Studying Proverbs can be convicting. Often, they are addressed directly to Fathers, Mothers, or both. Biblically speaking, parents have a great responsibility to raise their children to fear the Lord, to walk in His statutes, and to live according to His principles.

Even if a child shows no signs of being a Christian, parents can teach them and hold them to the principles of scripture for his/her own good. In fact, we have a God-given responsibility to do it. Even the non-Christian who gives a soft answer will turn away wrath just as her harsh words will stir up anger.

Recently it seems that many Christians are allowing the world to determine their path of parenting. This is not good for the children. So many fathers have abandoned their families, many mothers are too tired to discipline, though the Bible says that if we discipline a child, “he will give you rest” and “give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:17). The very things that will be good for all of us, we fail to do because we think the world will judge us for it.

Sadly, it appears many grandparents stand by silently without even the suggestion that there is a better way.

Why do we care what the world thinks? The Lord warns us that the world “follows the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” He goes on to point out that this leaves people with no hope and separated from Christ. (Ephesians 2:2)

So, when parents, even non-Christian parents, are teaching their children the ways of the world or allowing behaviors that go against the principles of God’s plan for parenting and godly living, it is tempting to correct them, to point out that God has a way that is better. It is a way of discipline, a way of grace, and a way of showing love for our neighbor in our daily routines.

When children are raised by biblical principles they are more likely to experience good relationships (in and outside of the family), to be well respected, and most likely, they will be honored at home and in the workplace as adults.

Obviously, behavior is not all we are looking for. We want them to grow in the discipline and instruction of the Lord for their own spiritual salvation and growth (Ephesians 6:4).

The grace of God is evident in His instruction. Will we pass it on to the next generation?