Proverbs - Punishment AND Instruction

Proverbs 21:11

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

As moms we must train our children in the way that they should go.  Sometimes we focus a lot on punishment.  We may take one of our children who is carrying on like a little scorner and punish them.  This is appropriate.  If they are mouthy, insubordinate, disrespectful or disdainful, a punishment is well suited and they should grow in their understanding of right and wrong.  The second half of this proverb may be the part many of us could be lacking in when it comes to training our children.  The Lord tells us in this verse that when the wise is instructed he receives knowledge.  When our children are walking in wisdom, we need to take the time and instruct or teach them about their wise choices.  We should point out how a choice they made resulted in good fruit or show them why the Word of God was proven right by their actions.  We can also take the opportunities to instruct them deeper in the wisdom they are displaying.  This will result in knowledge being received and they will have this knowledge from which to make future wise choices.  Punishing the scorner is good but let us not forget to instruct the child making wise choices.