Christian Family · Biblical Wisdom
Teaching Our Children… What For?
5 min read, approximately
“Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; And set not thy heart on his destruction.” (Proverbs 19:18 · ASV)
When a child has no rules or instruction, when everything is allowed without restrictions, when the child does not know the word ‘No’… that child will grow up confusing license with freedom and making disrespect the rule. It will not be long before we notice that child becoming part of the many situations we see in the news today.
“Whoever justifies the wicked and whoever condemns the righteous are both equally an abomination to the Lord. What use is money in a fool’s hand to buy wisdom when there is no understanding?” (Proverbs 17:15-16)
Will any good come of it? What, then, should we do?
“… these words that I command you today shall be on your heart; you shall repeat them to your children and speak of them when you are at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
The Lord has entrusted us with the beautiful task of teaching our children through God’s Word. But… what for? \1. So they learn to be wise:
“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1)
\2. So they learn to fear God:
“Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He provides sound wisdom for the upright and is a shield to those who walk uprightly. He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, equity, and every good path.” (Proverbs 2:5-9)
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and with it a person will live at rest, untouched by evil.” (Proverbs 19:23)
\3. So they will not be children who bring you shame:
“The rod and correction give wisdom, but a spoiled child will bring shame to his mother. When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their downfall. Correct your child, and he will give you rest and bring joy to your soul.” (Proverbs 29:15-17)
“Whoever robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.” (Proverbs 19:26)
\4. So they will be a source of joy to you:
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Foolishness is a joy to one who lacks understanding, but a person of understanding walks a straight path. Plans fail where there is no counsel, but with many advisers they are established.” (Proverbs 15:20-22)
\5. So that when your children face problems tomorrow, they will know what to do:
“How sweet your words are to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your commandments I have gained understanding; therefore I have hated every false path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:103-105)
\6. So they will not be a cause of illness for you:
“A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.” (Proverbs 17:25)
\7. So they gain discernment:
“Whoever robs his father or mother and says it is no wrong is a companion of a destroyer.” (Proverbs 28:24)
\8. So they learn to love God and respect others:
“Teacher, what is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
\9. So they understand that when you punish them, it is because they did something wrong, and you must therefore correct them because you love them:
“Whoever withholds punishment hates his son, but whoever loves him corrects him from an early age.” (Proverbs 13:24)
“Discipline your child while there is hope.” (Proverbs 19:18a)
“Do not refuse to correct a child, for if you punish him with a rod, he will not die. You will punish him with a rod and deliver his soul from Sheol.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)
Any doubts? This task does not belong to grandparents, the neighbor, a school, or much less society… The task belongs first and foremost to Mom and Dad. Let us stop delegating this beautiful responsibility. Tomorrow may be too late! So… will we teach and correct our children while there is hope?
May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
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