Inspired by my Daily Devotional for today.

One of our nation's founding fathers, Ben Franklin, had a saying that has survived through time:

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

A little preparation for something is better than having to clean up something big later. If you are a kayaker like Diane and I then a life jacket around one's neck, may a be little bit uncomfortable but it is better than a big swim underwater if your boat flips. We know about that. As an RVer, make sure your tires are properly inflated before heading down the road, a little air may save a lot of trouble.

Drink lots of fluids on a hot day, to prevent dehydration and the bad things that come along with drying out.

There are many things I could say that would illustrate Mr. Franklin's saying.

God has provided us with the means to prevent bad things from happening in our lives. He has provided instruction in his word. The book of Proverbs is full of preventive measures. It is meant to be a light on the sometimes dark pathway of life and to avoid the snares and pitfalls leading to death. Discipline is part of God's light, spare the rod and spoil the child. This is an often misinterpreted verse. It is not about beating a child, it is about the rod of authority, the rod a shepherd would use, to guide a sheep, not let it stray off the path it needs to go. This verse is about disciplining your child and not letting them be left to their own choices. Children are a gift from God and they are to be loved and guided not just tolerated. It isn't hard right now to see so many kids, teenagers, and college age who have been left to make their own way from too young an age. We now have cities that will need more than a pound of cure to heal them. Parents need to raise kids who respect them and listen to them. My parents raised me that way and Diane and I certainly did the same with ours. I learned from a very early age that if I respected my parents (an ounce of prevention) I would respect God and not stray too far and have to be corrected by Him later (a pound of cure to be sure!) I grew up knowing that discipline and discipleship are relatives, and Jesus is our shepherd. His rod and his staff not only correct us, and keep us from straying but comfort us too.

Proverbs 13: 13-25

Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,

but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

turning a person from the snares of death.

15 Good judgment wins favor,

but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a]

16 All who are prudent act with[b] knowledge,

but fools expose their folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,

but whoever heeds correction is honored.

19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but fools detest turning from evil.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.

21 Trouble pursues the sinner,

but the righteous are rewarded with good things.

22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,

but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,

but injustice sweeps it away.

24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,

but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,

but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.