Let’s revisit Proverbs 19:18 “18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.”
As stated last week, the conclusion here is that the time to start correcting children is when they are young, hence the first part of the verse “while there is hope”.
The last part of the verse says, “let not thy soul spare for his crying”. Again as stated last week, every child quickly learns how to manipulate their parents, if the parents are weak and allow themselves to be manipulated.
Scripture of the Lord God Almighty, not someone’s opinion, but scripture, instructs us not to spare correction for crocodile tears and the pleadings of a child. Go ahead with the correction.
Proverbs 22:15 says, “15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
Children will do what you let them do, so you start discipline and correction of your child at a young age. When the Bible says “the rod” the writer is not instructing anyone to beat their child. He is simply instructing that you chastise you child and drive that foolishness far away from the child so he or she can grow up to be a good person.
Proverbs 23:12-13, “12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.”
I am living proof, and so are many of you, that you will live through correction. Chastisement and correction is the way God deals with his children. In his eyes we are his dearly beloved children. We must have the rod of correction and chastisement put to our hearts sometimes so that we can learn from our mistakes and be better equipped to be servants of God. In the same regard, God expects us to treat our earthly children in the same way, for their benefit; that they may learn the right way to live and act.
Many people have been brainwashed, or so it would seem to this writer, that because someone has a degree in child physiology or they have read something in a book, that is the right way to raise your children. However, I ask this question, “Which book is more likely to be 100% accurate and foolproof, the Holy Bible or something written by someone that might not have even raised a child of their own? It is very apparent to this writer that the Word of God, which is infallible and incapable of being wrong is definitely the best guide to take into consideration when raising your children.
In conclusion, let me draw upon an experience that my wife had while our daughter was in high school. One day a teacher, while talking to my wife, complimented the attitude and behavior of our daughter, Jennifer. He asked, “What is your secret?” Without hesitation my wife answered, “Pray and do the best you can.” Then he said, “No really, what is your secret?” She responded, “Really. Pray and do the best you can.”
My advice to everyone that has small children in their homes is, “Put God first, pray a lot, do the best you can, and trust God.”
Ricky Wilborn
Fort Payne, AL
