No, It Isn’t Cute

(Proverbs 29:15 KJV)  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Beware the child that is “left to himself” (gets his way NASB) (7971).  You have all seen him in the grocery store.  He wants something, a candy bar or small toy, and embarrasses the adult with him until he gets what he wants.  This behavior did not start that day.  It is a long established pattern created by people who are supposed to be parents.  It started when they first learned to say, “No!”  Everyone laughed and thought it was so cute.  Now that cuteness is running the adults life. 

The word used here is interesting.  It basically means “to send.”  Think about all the children who are sent out into the world instead of escorted by loving and guiding adults.  They are turned loose to do their own thing and we are seeing the results.

The “shame” (954) is on the parent.  The consequences are on all of us.

So?  Invest yourself in your children.  Don’t send them, take them.  Don’t let them get their own way, show them the way.  Not only will your life be better but it may keep them from the pit of hell.