discipline

i have been thinking a lot about raising children and in particular the "training up" and leading a child in obedience, better known as discipline. so i went on the hunt for some of "those" verses from proverbs that seem to be quoted in every christian parenting handbook. here are a few that are food for thought and i might add should be taken very seriously, as the Bible is our life-handbook. (these are all taken from the NIV)

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.

Proverbs 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 3:12 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

Hebrews 12:4-11 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

oh Lord that i would seek your wisdom to know how to best bring these beautiful children up in right, Kingdom living. teach me and instruct me to mold their character and guide them into becoming responsible, kind-hearted, merciful and faithful followers of you. you are teaching me so many things about what it means to parent and the view from the other side - your view. thank you for these lessons. let me know justice and mercy. help me to shape the wills of my children, rather then break or crush their wills. show me how to protect their spirits.