Instruction for Life

Not long ago I took a break for lunch at a favorite fast food restaurant. Seated directly behind me was a grandmother-granddaughter pair. I was not aware of the music coming over the speakers until Grandma informed her granddaughter: “This is not real country music. Real country music was sung by Johnny Cash.” She went on to name others of that era and continued, “Real country music makes you feel something.” (Long pause.) “It makes you think.” The lesson continued.

I call it a ‘lesson’ because Grandma was teaching the little girl (no more than three years old) the definition of good music and its value. I cannot help but think that there will be similar lessons to follow, lessons to reinforce the important truth taught that day. Grandma will someday pass from this earth and whether that little girl embraces real country music or she marches to her own drumbeat, I cannot predict. However, this lesson will undoubtedly be remembered as being of great importance to Grandma.

I cannot help but think that the grandmother practiced what she preached and listened to real country music. That would be another vitally important component of teaching:

1. Model the values, attitudes and behavior that you wish pass on.
2. Verbally express your values, attitudes and behaviors. After all, people, and especially kids, do not always understand your example.

Paul’s instruction, “whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7), may be applied to teaching. It applies to both verbal instruction and the lessons one models through example.

In my opening illustration, grandma thought it important to teach her granddaughter about country music. I reflected on the content of the lessons that I had taught my children.

Paul’s instruction to fathers about the content of parental instruction is compact: “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) There are many valuable life lessons. Yet, many have value only in this life. They are not the specific content of “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” They are more often based on one’s life experience and home-spun philosophy. That is not what Paul meant.

The entire Bible is filled with the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Instruction is the verbal/written aspect of teaching while discipline is the hand-on, practical application of God’s teaching. Throughout Scripture we receive instruction on honesty, integrity, faith, morality, self-control, godliness, generosity, service, love of God, love of others, and more.

The ‘stories’ in the Bible are also important. Noah teaches faithfulness, patience, and gratitude. David (and Goliath) teaches faith and courage. Ruth teaches faithfulness. Nebuchadnezzar teaches humility (in contrast to great pride). The stories teach us something about the character of man but also God’s expectation of good character. We need to tell the stories, but we must not forget the lessons taught by those important examples. At the same time, we must not forget how God’s interaction with people teaches valuable lessons about His divine character.

You might say that every person’s life declares, “This is how to live life.”

Eyes are watching; ears are listening.

So, what are you teaching by your example? What lessons will continue to ring in the ears of your children, grandchildren and those who knew you? Make sure that you are providing instruction of eternal value.

Mark Stinnett

August 10, 2025

Embrace Discipline

My parents disciplined me. As a result, I now exercise self-discipline.

I disciplined my children. Now grown, I expect them to exercise self-discipline.

Did you know that preaching and teaching are forms of discipline?

In the English language we usually reserve the word discipline for stronger kinds of action. We discipline our children by placing them in ‘time-out,’ by restricting privileges, or by imposing unwanted duties or activities. Discipline may include physical discipline as well.

There was a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament, musar, that meant discipline, but had a much broader meaning than our English word. Musar included any kind of correction and for that reason might be translated reprimand, reproach, reprove, rebuke, or chastise. At times musar referred to training. And, a surprise to some, musar also included simple instruction that might be given verbally, in writing, or by demonstration. Musar may come as preaching, teaching, and even in writing, like this article.

As instruction, musar was not merely informative. There was always a purpose and a goal. The purpose of musar was to affect one’s attitude, choices, and behavior.

In our day, discipline is sometimes misunderstood. It is not the same as punishment. The goal of punishment is equity and justice. A person is expected to pay for a crime committed, whether a fine, public service, or imprisonment. Our laws attempt to increase the severity of the payment according to the severity of the crime.

Discipline is not about paying one’s crime debt. Rather, discipline has the purpose of keeping a person on the right path. Ultimately, discipline carried out by parents or others in positions of authority should bring about self-discipline in the one receiving discipline.

Children are not born with self-discipline, but self-ishness. As children mature there should be a diminishing need for parental discipline while self-discipline increases. When adults lack self-discipline in matters of the spirit and morality, it may be necessary for a loving fellow Christian to step in and apply musar.

But let’s face it; in general, we do not like correction. Many shrug off helpful instruction with statements like, “I can figure it out on my own,” or “I don’t need your help.” It is likely that you know someone who politely listens to instruction or correction, and then ignores it and does whatever he/she wishes to do.

You might be thinking that not all instruction and correction comes from a person who cares. True. Also, not all instruction is good instruction. However, here’s the point:

A fool rejects his father’s discipline (musar)

But he who regards reproof is prudent.

—Proverbs 15:5

A fool thinks that musar (instruction, training, correction, discipline) is not necessary. He pushes it aside, sometimes in anger. He may not want the challenge or difficulty of training or the potential humiliation of correction, or he may simply consider himself above discipline.

In great contrast the prudent (wise) person not only accepts discipline of all kinds, he has regard for discipline. That means that he sees value in all kinds of discipline recognizing that it is necessary and also beneficial. The wise person doesn’t just accept discipline, he embraces it. 

What is your attitude toward discipline?

Mark Stinnett

March 17, 2024

Why Should I Discipline My Child?

Because of the instruction I read in the Bible, I am quite confident that the controversy over child discipline did not begin in the 20th century. Nevertheless, questions remain, and far too many parents replace God’s instruction with past experiences as a child, things learned in college, compelling opinions of family, friends and the Internet, and personal opinion.

At its simplest form, discipline is instruction. However, depending on the importance of the instruction and the willingness of the child to learn, instruction might take on other forms.

• Sometimes instruction includes hands-on training in which a child is shown how to do something and then tries to do it.
• When instruction fails, yet a child is being cooperative, correction may be necessary.
• When instruction and simple correction are unsuccessful, a child might need a verbal reprimand or rebuke. This is stronger correction by drawing attention to the child’s mistake or poor attitude. A wise parent will follow rebuke with positive encouragement.

It is wonderful when a child learns with simple verbal instruction, correction and, if necessary, rebuke. However, that is not always the case, as every parent knows. When verbal discipline fails, discipline must be elevated to some kind of physical discipline.

Physical discipline is any form of discipline that changes a child’s physical circumstances. Two broad categories might be considered

1. The removal of privileges or expected benefits, such as:

• Removal of toys;
• No dessert after a meal;
• Reduced phone usage;
• Severely restricted curfew;
• Not attending a social function/event;
• Removal of bedroom door (privacy);
• Restrictions on driving;
• Stop allowance for a specified time.

2. Adding responsibilities or unwanted discomfort, such as:

• Smack the back of the child’s hand;
• Add chores for a specified time;
• Assign a sibling’s responsibilities temporarily;
• Change bedroom arrangement;
• Walk to school (if sensible).

Only a lack of creativity limits physical discipline. And yes, spanking belongs in this category. Spanking, though controversial, is effective when administered properly. A parent must never spank in anger, must only spank as a form of discipline, not punishment, and must provide gentle and loving instruction afterward.

All of these disciplinary forms are rooted in biblical instruction. In the book of Proverbs discipline is stressed in the Hebrew word musar. It included instruction, correction, rebuke, and physical discipline.

The purpose of musar was never that of justice. Rather, musar (discipline) was administered so that a child would walk in the way of God. The purpose of discipline is to keep a child from going his own way, the way of destruction. Discipline is meant to save a child’s soul.

Consider:

He will die for lack of instruction (musar), And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray. 

—Proverbs 5:23

He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines (musar) him diligently. 

—Proverbs 13:24

Why should you discipline your child?

Because you love your child.

Mark Stinnett

February 5, 2023

"All the World's a _____" ?

A day or two before moving to Missouri dad had an errand to run and he asked me to go along. He dropped in on an older gentleman from our congregation while I stayed in the car. Dad returned with a shoe box. Inside was a pair of shoes. He said they were the wrong size for him, but he accepted them anyway.

Confused, I asked why. Dad explained that he had taught the man about God and that he was deeply grateful and wanted to give him a gift. Dad said that he accepted the gift because the man needed to honor him with a gift.

That was a profound lesson for a 13-year-old: He needed the opportunity to give.

My dad was a great example that day. But there was something about his example that I’ve reflected on numerous times. I did not learn from his example by watching, but by listening. The example was there, but I would have never learned that valuable lesson without dad’s words to communicate it.

Sometimes our children will pick up on valuable lessons without us saying a word. More often, however, we will need to use words. We will need to focus their attention and tell them what our examples means. It’s not bragging. It’s called instruction, and it’s our job as parents.

Early in the book of Proverbs Solomon wrote:

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction 

And do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Fathers and mothers are both teachers and there are many areas of life deserving of their instruction. It is worthwhile to teach children about managing their finances, being responsible with the their possessions, how to make good friends and how to choose a respectable career. It is important to see, however, that all of these important areas of life are ultimately connected to righteousness. Other related qualities that Solomon emphasized include honesty, integrity, faithfulness, honor, personal responsibility, fairness, justice, purity, kindness, and generosity. These qualities apply to all relationships in life, but especially one's relationship with God.

To the Israelites God instructed parents to teach their children His law. The Law of Moses provided instruction regarding God, one’s fellow man, non-Israelites, authority/government, benevolence, taxation and even care of the land and care for work animals.

In the New Testament parents, specifically fathers, are instructed to…

Bring them [children] up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

—Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

We must teach our children all the things that Jesus and His disciples taught.

As Christians, we take to heart the instruction that God gave to the Israelites regarding the teaching of their children.

Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 

—Deuteronomy 6:7 (NLT)

Shakespeare wrote “All the world’s a stage.” (What would you expect from a guy writing plays?) But I think God was trying to tell His people, and yes, us today, “All the world’s a classroom.” So...teach!

Teach what Jesus taught and how it all relates to life. Teach by example; but don’t forget the words. And teach TODAY, wherever you are, because, blink…they’re grown.

Mark Stinnett

November 7, 2021

'Caught Off Guard' Concerning Doctrine

Doctrine…(*Ugh* “Goodbye, not interested.”)

For years, I was turned off by the word doctrine until a friend simplified things: “Doctrine is just teaching,” he said. I don’t know how I had missed that, but he was right. In the Bible, the word doctrine refers to teaching or instruction.

When the early Christians followed the apostles’ doctrine, they were “devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” (Acts 2:42) It really is that simple. (Most English translations use the word teaching nowadays.)

So, how important is doctrine?

A number of years ago, a college friend visited my wife and I overheard her telling about a new women’s Bible study in which the participants had all agreed to avoid controversial Bible topics. While that was a lofty goal, it was flawed. Not trying to be difficult, I interjected, “So, I guess you won’t be discussing salvation.”

The biblical doctrine of salvation is critically important, yet quite controversial.

Biblical doctrine is interesting to some, though there are writers who seem to be gifted in making it as dry as the desert sand. Yet, the instruction found in the pages of the Bible tells us about God and about ourselves. Biblical doctrine helps us answer fundamental questions that mankind has asked throughout the ages:

• Who am I and what is my place in the universe?
• How does the ordered universe make sense?
• Where is there justice?

It is important to understand that every person thinks something about God and the Bible, about truth and eternity, about salvation and morality. A person’s attitudes and behaviors are defined by his understanding of doctrine even if he does not call it doctrine. Consider...

In his book, What Is the Bible?, Rob Bell explains biblical inspiration as something little different from an idea that suddenly pops into one’s head, not unlike Doc Brown’s invention of the flux capacitor in the popular Back to the Future movie series. Yet, if that describes your basic doctrine of biblical inspiration, then the Bible will be reduced to a mere compilation of the writings of men who had an internal urge to write after a bump on the head.

In his Word Pictures in the New Testament, 20th Century Greek scholar A. T. Robertson revealed his doctrine of baptism saying that a person will interpret Acts 2:38 “according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not.” (Vol. III, p. 35-36) In other words, biblical doctrine on baptism is so indistinct in this case that people will simply believe what they already believe. If you embrace Robertson’s explanation, then you will feel perfectly fine to believe whatever you want about Christian baptism.

The point of these examples is that human explanations of biblical doctrine are insufficient and may lead to incorrect conclusions. Those conclusions will surely affect one’s attitudes and ultimately his/her choices and behaviors.

In contrast to the examples above, Paul wrote:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching (doctrine)...so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 

—2 Timothy 3:16

We must keep focus on God’s word so that we are not caught off guard concerning doctrine. Only then will God’s intended goal be met in us.

The goal of our instruction [doctrine] is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

—1 Timothy 1:5

Mark Stinnett

August 29, 2021

How Important Are Consequences?

Children are not reasonable people.

That might be one of the reasons we have laughed at “Calvin and Hobbes,” “Peanuts,” “The Family Circus,” “Baby Blues” and other comic strips featuring children.

The younger the child, the more likely they are to have a complete lack of understanding of consequences. They lack life experience, understanding and knowledge. For that reason children are vulnerable to many dangers. For example, they do not recognize the consequences of touching a hot stove or sticking a metal object in an electrical outlet. While entertaining in the comic strips, the consequences of real life are often much more serious and sometimes painfully lasting.

Parents struggle with the task of instructing, training, and disciplining their children so that they will be able to avoid physical dangers in life. Parents also teach their children how to avoid financial pitfalls, academic failure, and common health problems. These are all necessary lessons. Yet, as Christians we must never rest from providing our children moral and spiritual training.

A significant part of moral and spiritual training is that of teaching consequences. Oftentimes, spiritual and moral offenses are not followed by immediate consequences. So, parents must apply consequences. Otherwise, their children will grow up spiritually immature and unable to see the ultimate consequences of their moral and spiritual choices.

At the end of a lengthy admonition to his son regarding the adulteress, Solomon considered the future of the one who had not listened to instruction. In the end, the young man's life was destroyed because he had wasted his energy and forfeited his possessions to strangers. Awakened by the reality of the moment, the young man cried out:

How I have hated instruction,
And my heart despised correction!
--Proverbs 5:12 (NKJV)

After experiencing devastating consequences, the eyes of the young man were opened to reality. Instruction and correction had not failed, but only after reaping the consequences of his poor attitude and rebellious behavior did the young man realize that he had failed.

The Bible, God’s revelation to mankind, allows us to peer into the future and learn the consequences of our choices. Many of the teachings in the Proverbs apply directly to our physical lives in the here and now. Yet, the overall message of scripture deals with spiritual life and spiritual consequences reaching into the afterlife.

The simple point is this: Instruction has already been revealed. Correction has already been written. God still disciplines his children today. (See Hebrews 12:4-10.) So, listen and follow God’s instruction NOW. At times of failure, when God corrects you through His word, listen and follow!

Experience may be the best teacher in some areas of life. However, no one wants experience to teach them that they hated instruction and despised correction. The eternal consequences are devastating and irreversible.

Be wise, now.
Consequently, live.


Mark Stinnett

June 13, 2021

Hey Kids, What Are You Wearing?

Read the title question. What do you think?

Is this a fashion question? A modesty question? A pandemic ‘mask’ question?

It is ‘none of the above.’ My question stems from the advice the writer of Proverbs gave his son. It is good advice for kids today…

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, 

And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;
Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, 

And ornaments about your neck.
—Proverbs 1:8-9 (NASB95)

Does the proverb merely sound like a plea to honor parental advice? Actually, there’s more.

‘Instruction’ is translated from the Hebrew word ‘musar.’ It is best understood as discipline. Solomon pleads with his son to ‘hear’ or ‘listen to’ musar. So, he is referring to any kind of verbal discipline: instruction, correction, or rebuke.

‘Teaching’ is from the Hebrew word ‘torah.’ In most cases, ’torah’ was a word used for the Law of God. However, it did not refer to a set of rules, but rather, careful instruction.

So, what was the content of this fatherly verbal discipline and motherly instruction?

Based on the content of Proverbs 1, the discipline of the father and instruction of the mother both reflect the word of God. In other words, the parental instruction here is not homespun advice, but God’s instruction being relayed to the child through the parents. This tells me two things:

First, while every parent has informative and helpful instruction based on personal experience, nothing is more important than instruction from Scripture. So, children, it is of greatest importance that you to listen to your parents.

Second, parents, it is imperative that you take your responsibility as a parent seriously. Your obligation is to first relay what God has taught in His word. There is a place for your personal wisdom; just make sure God’s word is primary and your instruction is secondary. And don’t allow for your personal experience to undo or water down God’s instruction.

Solomon said that the parental teaching is “a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” That is God’s fashion statement to you. 

• Do you know what to wear when you get ready for school? 
• Do you know what you should wear to a party? 
• To the park? 
• To a church function? 
• On vacation? 
• Even at home?

Instead of promoting yourself and your independence and your opinions and your attitudes with your outer wear, God will be really impressed if you ‘wear’ your parents’ instruction.

So, how do you dress up with your parent’s instruction?

It is really simple to explain, but often hard to do: You ‘listen.’

When Solomon instructed his son to “Hear,” he did not intend for the instruction to go in one ear and out the other. Relaying God’s instruction, he expected his son to actually listen with interest; to think about the instruction; and to follow the instruction. That does not mean that there is no discussion. But any discussion should be for clarity. There is no room for selfish bargaining to get out of doing what is expected; no room for rebellion; no room for disobedience.

In the end, when children humbly follow God’s instruction given to them by their parents, things always go better for the children. It might not be fashionable to the people of the world, but it sure pleases God to adorn yourself with the teaching from His word.

Mark Stinnett 

August 30, 2020

Never Date a Girl Named...

Brush your teeth before bedtime.
Check the oil when you fill up your car.
Don’t take any wooden nickels.

Drink eight cups of water daily.
Don’t dive into dark water.
Always carry a little cash.

Lend a hand to a stranger in need.
Don’t talk to strangers.
Never date a girl named ___________.


Under closer inspection, some 'rules' are contradictory, some are silly, and some are dated. (I'll bet 150 years ago dads gave their kids some 'horse sense' instead of 'car talk.') And believe it or not, my dad actually instructed me to never date a girl with a first name of... (sorry, I can't tell you the name). He was quite serious...and I followed his instruction!

Every home has rules. Rules are for safety, or for health, or for good organization and order, and some...some are just the personal preferences of parents.

A story is told about a young wife who prepared a roast for her family just like her mother had taught her. She cut off one end then arranged the two pieces in her roaster. Her husband asked her why she always cut off one end of the roast before placing it in the roaster. Her reply, “That’s how my mother taught me.”

At the next family gathering she asked her mother about the roast. Her mother explained that she had been taught the exact same process by her mother. Asked by the trio about her process, the grandmother explained, “My roasting pot was too short; I had to cut off one end to make it fit.”

From time to time there are instructions that no longer fit....
So it is with man's instruction.

The wisdom and instruction (and rules) found in the Book of Proverbs must not be confused with the wisdom of men. The sayings in the Book of Proverbs are not merely common sense, or time-honored traditions, or well thought out maxims. These sayings can be trusted. They are good sayings. They are sound instruction. They are beneficial rules for life.

The Book of Proverbs is a record of God’s inspiration and revelation for man, and it is given for our benefit...so we do not have to learn by experience!

   For I give you sound teaching; 
   Do not abandon my instruction.
   --Proverbs 4:2

No Stupid Children

I would not advise it, but you could try it. The next time your child pushes aside your instruction or rejects your discipline, you could say that they are ‘stupid.’ Again, I would not advise it, but you could, because Solomon wrote,

   Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
   But he who hates reproof is stupid.
   --Proverbs 12:1

We often think of ‘hate’ as a reference to a seething and despicable attitude against something. We should understand that the term ‘rejection,' though seemingly mild, also fits as a synonym. Anyone who ‘rejects’ reproof (verbal correction) is stupid.

The Hebrew word behind the term ‘discipline’ includes all aspects of instruction, including: verbal instruction, demonstration, correction, re-teaching and rebuke. This same Hebrew word also includes all forms of discipline including corporal punishment. Generally, when administered, discipline is not pleasant, but it is for the good of the child. Parents, instruction and discipline are expressions of love for your child.

Instruction and discipline have the goal of instilling godly principles, proper attitudes and good behavior. Parents must instruct and discipline in such a way that their child can recognize the benefit of following instruction and accepting discipline. Harsh words do not make for good instruction. Impulsive discipline will not teach beneficial lessons. Homespun ideas that have little relevance or no basis in reality will teach a child to stop listening.

Instruction and discipline are imperative, yet children need to be trained that instruction and discipline are good for them. They need to be taught the value of loving and desiring instruction and discipline.

To do this parents must ‘tell’ their children the benefits of instruction and discipline in relation to identifiable, real-life, practical examples. In other words, after having given instruction and/or discipline, a parent should be on the lookout for a teachable moment that will illuminate the benefit of previous instruction/discipline. That moment may not be immediate; perhaps days will pass. But watch for that teachable moment.

Do not make the teachable moment an ‘I told you so’ moment. Rather, when the teachable moment arrives, point back to the instruction/discipline and explain the connection. Help them to appreciate the benefit that resulted. (You can sometimes see teachable moments in the behavior of other children.)

Over time you will find there to be less need for discipline and more times when simple instruction is all that is needed...

And your child will not be stupid.

Reflection

We learn in many ways. Information comes to us by word of mouth and various news sources. Parents and teachers teach and train in both formal and informal settings. Of course, there is the presumed ‘best’ teacher, experience. And do not forget that discipline is a form of instruction.
(See “Musar” from May 9, 2016.)

Solomon tells about yet another source of instruction:

   When I saw, I reflected upon it;
   I looked, and received instruction.
                                  --Proverbs 24:32

This statement is the anchor verse in a brief passage about someone who is lazy and who lacks sense. Here is the broader context...

   I passed by the field of the sluggard
      And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,
   And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;
      Its surface was covered with nettles,
      And its stone wall was broken down.
   When I saw, I reflected upon it;
      I looked, and received instruction.
   “A little sleep, a little slumber,
      A little folding of the hands to rest,”
   Then your poverty will come as a robber
      And your want like an armed man.
                                         --Proverbs 24:30-34

By careful observation and reflection Solomon was able to connect the cause to the effect.

I don’t know how long it took Solomon to come to his conclusion. I can imagine him reflecting on the images he had stored in his mind. I can imagine him posing a variety of questions in his mind as he wondered how the field and vineyard had become overgrown and practically unusable.

He observed.
He saw a result.
He gathered information.
He reflected.

He was like an ancient detective trying to solve a mystery. He put things together in his mind and came to a conclusion. He saw a principle of life at work.

God has revealed many things in scripture that cannot be concluded by simple observation. However, God gave us a brain, senses, and 'sense' and he clearly expects us to use good sense along with our senses to learn about our world and learn about life.


When is the last time something caught your attention and you stopped! . . . and pondered?

This is not an invitation to close God's Word and ignore His revelation. Rather, it is to recognize that God has given us the ability to reason. He has places us in an organized universe and he brought about our redemption with forethought. God expects us to use the ol' noggin. To do so...
   We will need to stop.
   We will need to look around.
   We will need to observe, even inspect.
   We will need to ask ourselves questions, ponder...and reflect.

But, first...we must STOP!

Then, we might receive instruction.

Be Wise.

"Musar"

We were in elementary school but the memory is still quite vivid. I won’t say what she did, but my older sister was in big trouble and dad was on a rampage.
(I probably tattled . . . can’t remember.)

The old saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher,” but I disagree. 'I' learned from her mistake. She received correction and discipline and I received valuable instruction. That was definitely the best way to learn.

There is a beautiful Hebrew word used a number of times in the Proverbs. Its meaning has a connection to my learning experience. Though there were two of us, three if you count dad, there was instruction and correction and discipline all at the same time. The Hebrew word ‘musar’ means instruction and correction and discipline all at the same time. (Though not smooth English, we might consider 'instructive discipline' or 'disciplinary instruction' as descriptive translations of 'musar.')

Parents sometimes forget the purpose of discipline. It is not to get even or punish (administer justice), but to provide instruction. In scripture instruction has the purpose of providing discipline, that is, self-discipline.

   A wise son accepts his father's discipline, 
   But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
                                                          --Proverbs 13:1

‘Discipline’ in this verse is the Hebrew word musar. It includes the simple instruction that comes when a father tells or shows his child how something works or when he explains right and wrong in life. Ideally instruction is accepted by the child who then adjusts his attitude and behavior accordingly: self-discipline. If the outcome is imperfect the father may choose to correct; still a part of musar. Where instruction and correction are rejected by the child, discipline follows, still a part of musar.

An excellent present-day illustration of musar is found in coaching. Coaches give verbal instruction, apply hands-on training, give correction, and require physical discipline. In extreme cases they will ‘bench’ a player or kick the player off the team for misconduct, each a form of discipline. Instruction, training, correction, discipline: musar. Each element of the coach's training program is singular in purpose, to make the athlete excel in competition.

In the same way that I learned from my sister’s discipline, God wanted Israel to learn from discipline, that is, the discipline they had received from God in their past: musar.
(Read about this in Deuteronomy 11:2-9.)

The general purpose of musar in Proverbs is to equip the child to excel in life. More specifically, it is to equip the child for life before God.

When the Apostle Paul instructed Christian fathers concerning their children to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), he was bringing forward the Hebrew concept of musar.

Do not think this that is a nice little Hebrew word study...this is about life!

Parents, be wise. Apply musar.
Children, be wise. Love musar.

Musar is life.