A fun and safe resource for kids, provided by Got Questions.
What does the Bible say about discipline?
Great question! Here's the answer:
The Bible refers to discipline as moral training, instruction, and correction as means to Christian growth.
Our parents discipline us for our good. When you disobey or misbehave, your parents might discipline you by sending you to your room or not letting you go to a friend's sleepover, so you learn a lesson and won't make the same choice again. The Bible talks about discipline in a similar way, but it is more complex. Discipline in the Bible refers to how God will work out our growth. God disciplines us in many ways, such as knowledge of His grace (Titus 2:11–12), educational life experiences (Deuteronomy 8:1–5), hardships (Hebrews 12:7), and punishment (Leviticus 26:21).
Discipline isn't necessarily a bad thing, although it can be painful at times. The Bible tells us, "The Lord trains the one he loves. He corrects everyone he accepts as his son" (Hebrews 12:6). God is correcting you, but He isn't picking on you. Discipline will help us to grow in Christian maturity and help us become the person God created us to be.
When discipline from God comes into your life, embrace it. Since you are undergoing discipline, it means you belong to the family of God (Hebrews 12:8). Only true daughters and sons of the King undergo discipline. God is treating you as sons and daughters. Praise Him that you belong to Him.
Bible Truth
“The Lord is the Holy One of Israel. He sets his people free. He says to them, ‘I am the Lord your God. I teach you what is best for you. I direct you in the way you should go’” (Isaiah 48:17).
“When the Lord judges us in this way, he corrects us. Then in the end we will not be judged along with the rest of the world” (1 Corinthians 11:32).
“Blessed is the person who keeps on going when times are hard. After they have come through hard times, this person will receive a crown. The crown is life itself. The Lord has promised it to those who love him” (James 1:12).
