Godly parents and educators ponder how they can practically help their child turn from being a foolish youth to becoming a wise lover of Christ (Proverbs 1:22-23). Though no parent can transform a child’s spiritual heart, all believing parents are called to discipline their children in wisdom so that God can convert them to be wise (Proverbs 1:8; 13:1). In fact, godly discipline and wisdom should be viewed as inseparable (e.g., Proverbs 1:2; 7-8). Sadly, the beauty and unmatched benefit of biblical discipline has become so perverted by unbiblical and secular influence that not only is biblical discipline erroneously thought of as merely a negative and punitive response to sin but also it is not being properly applied in the home, church, or places of education. Consequently, God, who disciplines true believers in love (Proverbs 3:3-4; 11-12), has been characterized as somewhat a celestial ogre who waits for his children to step out of line so that He can punish them. Such a view of God and His discipline in wisdom is a perversion of the gospel of grace and is negatively impacting individual souls, households, churches, counseling organizations, and Christian education. The simple truth is that biblical discipleship cannot occur as God intends if discipline in wisdom as God has designed is absent. In Discipling a Fool’s Heart, Dr. Berger challenges readers to return to God’s biblical definition, understanding, design, and application of wise discipline—a worldview of education—that leads to wise prudent disciples of Christ who then are compelled to disciple others. This book is not only instructive, but it also provides practical wisdom to be faithfully applied in discipleship. It is time to prudently heed God’s admonition to “listen to wise counsel and receive God’s discipline” (Proverbs 19:18; 20).
Dr. Daniel R. Berger II is the founder and direct of Alethia International Ministries (AIM), where he continues to speak around the country at various conferences and ministries. He is also an experienced pastor, counselor, school administrator, and the author of numerous books on Christian counseling, practical theology, education, and the history and philosophy of the mental health construct. Daniel attended Bob Jones University and Florida International University, where he earned four degrees in counseling and theology. He is also a certified member of the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC). When he is not speaking, he and his wife Oriana live in Greenville South Carolina with their three children.
