A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

Proverbs 29

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. v15

Discipline often conveys a harshness that it should not.  A dictionary definition includes the following: 

1:  punishment 

2 obsolete:  instruction

3:  a field of study 

4:  training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character

5a:  control gained by enforcing obedience or order; b :  orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; c :  self-control 

6:  a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity

This same definition also provides the following: 

Discipline comes from discipulus, the Latin word for pupil, which also provided the source of the word disciple (albeit by way of a Late Latin sense-shift to “a follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime”). Given that several meanings of discipline deal with study, governing one’s behavior, and instruction, one might assume that the word’s first meaning in English had to do with education. In fact, the earliest known use of discipline appears to be punishment-related; it first was used in the 13th century to refer to chastisement of a religious nature, such as self-flagellation.

Given the Latin roots of the word "discipline", and given the Latin roots (Greek) of the Bible, in my view, the author (Solomon) intended that discipline be a positive thing regardless of whether used in the context of punishment or instruction/training because punishment is meant to instruct and train (assuming it is not harsh). 

All of this aside - we should be looking for ways to train our children.  For the key is to have a relationship that enables such training.

Pastor Scott at our church uses Ephesians 6:4 as support for this point:

Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You have molded me into more of who You are and I am thankful for how You have transformed my heart and my life.  You have made me more patient (although not as patient as You want me to be I am sure), more compassionate, etc. I know You are not done with me but I am thankful for YOUR patience with me!  Please forgive me for my harshness with others.  I don't like it when I am. Help me turn from such sin towards You and help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.