A Firm Hand Straightens the Path

Proverbs 13:24:

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Sometimes it's weird to find a familiar verse in its context. The importance of the parent to the child has been said several times before, but it's not just about simple education. It's about keeping children on the right path. As much as I am personally frustrated by authority (something I hope to be broken of), I can only imagine the problems I'd have it my parents never disciplined me. I'm not convinced this is an argument for spanking (there is a lot of metaphor in Proverbs), but it's certainly clear that to love your children (or in my case my students), you must be firm.

Tragedy of Resource Destruction

Proverbs 13:23:

23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.

Proverbs has been clear several times, hard work reaps reward. However, as this verse describes, sometimes th is relationship is not fulfilled. This gets at the heart of something I care a lot about, economic efficiency. It pains me to see productive resources not used to their greatest benefit. I'm glad to know that God understands my frustration with this "injustice".

The Wise Pass Down Wisdom

Proverbs 13:21-22:

21 Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

There is a clear cause and effect of the world established throughout Proverbs. A great example is how the action of parents, impacts their children. I'm not convinced this is specifically calling us to leave money to our children, since the context here is wisdom. Also, in this example, both the sinner and the wise have "saved", just for different purposes.

Keep Your Friends Close

Proverbs 13:20:

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Christians certainly are not called to live in isolated bubbles, but there is also a warning to be aware of who is doing the influencing. As important as a parents instruction can be, it is peers who have the biggest impact. There is a lot of wisdom and practical benefits to choosing good outer support. It's also important to remember that fools want friends too.

Sin Makes Positive Change Undesirable

Proverbs 13:19:

19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

These two ideas, the sweetness of a desire fulfilled and how the wicked hate to change, have both been mentioned before. But when put together, they tell a different kind of story. When the desire to do good, it is satisfying. However, the addictive nature of sin makes it difficult to meet these goals. Often we act like fools holding on to trash when treasure awaits us on the other side of change.

Practical Benefit of Advice

Proverbs 13:18:

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

Proverbs has been clear about the importance of listening to the counsel of others we trust. It has important implications for life after death. But as this verse implies, it also have implications for life before death.

Knowledge as the Source of Wise Action

Proverbs 13:16-17:

16 In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Learning is the process through which wisdom grows. As teacher I can't get behind that sentence enough. However, it is also convicting about the importance of bestowing good sense, whether you are a teacher, a friend, or a parent. This not only impacts the quality of your life, but also those around you. Everyone influences everyone. You just need to decide whether you will be a harmer or a healer.