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Discipline and Training

Proverbs 13:1 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
13 A wise son hears his father’s discipline,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.[1]

A wise son hears his father’s discipline: There is no verb in the first line of 13:1, so it literally reads, “A wise son, a father’s discipline.” If we come across a wise young man, the discipline of the father is the reason the situation exists. While son (ben) and father (ab) in the Hebrew are masculine singulars, the principle need not be restricted to sons and fathers only. Thus, in these last days, many households are missing the father and the mother has to assume that role and does so biblically; therefore, it is her discipline (Heb. musar) that produces the wise son. The discipline from the father can range from mild to severe. It can begin as training. However, if that is rejected, it will then move into the form of punishment. A son will become wise only if he accepts the discipline of his father.

But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke: The scoffer (Heb. lets), who has mocked his father’s discipline and treated him with contempt has rejected the discipline (instruction) of his father, so he has foolishly chosen correction in the form of punishment over mild instructive training. This son does not listen (Heb. shama), pay attention to, or accept the rebuke (Heb. gearah) of his father, as he cannot stand to hear the corrective counsel from his father. A rebuke can come in the form of the father scolding (speaking loudly and persistently), reprimanding (straight talk), or using punishment, moving beyond words if needed, to correct the son’s thinking (mindset) and behavior.

The wise son will listen to his father’s discipline (instruction) but the son who thinks he knows better, will not pay attention for he has nothing but dislike and disdain for his father’s instruction. Therefore, this son’s arrogance will need to be corrected with some firm straight talk that is direct advice, which is straight to the point. When a son is young (2-10 years of age), he needs a lot of love from his father, which comes in the form of discipline (instruction) he requires and does not even realize he unknowingly craves. This means the father must give wisely of himself, his life experience, and judgment especially the wisdom found in God’s Word. Therefore, the loving father does not hold back discipline from the wise son who wants such, or the corrective punishment to the son who thinks he does not need to follow any of his father’s instructions. A good pat on the back for the wise son. A firm pat a little lower to get the attention of the son that mocks instruction, followed by direct straightforward advice.

[1] Or correction