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Source of Wisdom
by James W. Adams
..."The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." (Proverbs 29:15)
The wisdom implicit in these words is recognized by mature people. A child "allowed to express himself" without the guidance, instruction, reproof, and correction of his parents will likely be despised for his unruly, and incorrigible character. While reproof and the rod are never pleasant to the recipient, they can be a source of wisdom. Hence the statement, "He who spareth the rod hateth his son."
It is unfortunate that many in the church do not recognize the value of the rod and reproof in the realm of things spiritual. It is thought to be at variance with the "spirit of Christ" to indulge in reproof or the use of the rod. Whereas the Spirit of God says, "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (Heb. 12:6-8) The illegitimate child of days gone by was ignored and allowed to grow up without parental reproof or correction. Why? Because he was regarded with greater favor than the legal child? Indeed not! He was not regarded with the love and favor of a legal son. Chastisement was, therefore, an evidence of the father's love. Why then should it be regarded as antagonistic to the spirit of Christ in the church?
We hear much today about "positive preaching." Preachers are lauded because of their positive preaching in meetings. What is meant by this is not what was formerly meant by it. Then, it meant that a preacher was uncompromising in his setting forth of Bible truth and condemnation of human error. Now, it means that he is inoffensive, that he says nothing that will condemn his neighbor's religious faith and practice. God's great men have all been positive teachers; that is, they have positively set forth divine truth and positively condemned all error.
Gospel Guardian – September 1, 1960
Other Articles by James W. Adams
Guilty, So What?
Facing West
Red Sails in the Sunset
Splendid Discontent
Rascals are Always Sociable
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