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Book Summary

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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).

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Endorsements

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“The book of Proverbs intends to make the foolish person wise and also to make the wise even wiser (Prov. 1:4-5). Daniel Berger II understands the tremendous value of Proverbs in providing insight to parents, educators, counselors, and others as they desire to teach godly discipline. This insightful book is extremely practical and helpful, as it brings Proverbs’ teaching alive and relevant to our lives.”

 

- Tremper Longman III, PhD, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA

 

“The power and sufficiency of Scripture is seen in its explanatory power of all of life – especially those most tricky problems in parenting and relationships. But Scripture doesn’t just explain. It reveals the perfect solution to all of these nitty gritty problems is to be found in Christ. In this deeply biblical and highly practical book, Dr. Daniel Berger II wields God’s Word as an expert guide to both explain and offer hope to parents, counselors, and ministry leaders who are helping real people with real problems.” 

 

– Spencer Harmon, Nocatee Campus Pastor, First Baptist Church Jacksonville, FL

 

 

 

“Our culture takes for granted the erroneous notion that education is an almost entirely cerebral activity, a mere exchange of information. Most people assume it has little to do with character formation and despise any hint of dependence on divine aid for sound insight. In Discipling a Fool’s Heart, Dr. Daniel Berger II carefully counters these unbiblical cultural ideas with profound biblical wisdom. From a firm conviction of the sufficiency and superiority of God’s wise training, Berger unveils valuable insights from God’s Word, especially in the book of Proverbs. This book will aid parents, pastors, educators, counselors, and friends in their ability to disciple others in the fear of the LORD.”

 

- Omri Miles, Lead Pastor, Grace Bible Church (New Orleans, LA), Certified Counselor with The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors

 

 

“Daniel Berger II proficiently exalts Christ as true wisdom, seen intricately woven throughout the pages of Proverbs, and proves the critical urgency for wise biblical discipleship. Through the Written Word and the Living Word, God has given us everything we need to counsel the depravity and deficiency of the heart’s deceptive wandering and its foolish default. Discipling a Fool’s Heart demonstrates that becoming wise should not be assumed and invites the parenting journey, the counseling conversation, and the everyday relational interaction to put to use invaluable insight for guiding the foolish towards humility and the discipline of Wisdom. In this book, you will find clear answers to what culture endeavors to explain, but Christ clearly solves.”

- Jenn Martin, ACBC Certified Biblical Counsellor, Founder of Ministry to Women Biblical Counselling, and Biblical Counsellor & Director of Ministry to Women at Calvary Baptist Church, Oshawa, ON Canada.

 

 

“I highly recommend “Discipling a Fool’s Heart” as a challenging and inspiring resource to provide hope and help for all who seek to disciple others into God’s wisdom. With a priority emphasis on parenting, this work will have significant impact for future generations! The book, with its expressly biblical and theological approach, provides a foundation and focus for Christian families. No doubt, all who read this book will be energized by faith to discipline with purpose and trust in God’s grace for lasting results.”

• Dr. Mark Herbster, Evangelist/Pastor of Student & Family Ministries, Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC

 

 

“We live in a world where children are regularly taught that they are either a nuisance or the center of the world. Secular theorists give parents and those involved with children many desired outcomes and ways to engage with young ones. Yet, their advice comes from an anthropology which fails to see children biblically. Dr. Daniel Berger II raises the reader’s eyes to the timeless truths in the book of Proverbs and sets biblical wisdom as the eternal goal. He does this in a resource that is theologically robust, practical, and easy to read—a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and disciplers.”

 

- Juan F. Moncayo, Pastor, Iglesia La Fuente, Quito-Ecuador