Training Is Hard Work

(Proverbs 13:24 KJV)  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

I don’t think most people like to be involved in correcting others.  This is the part of parenting that people hate.  It is okay to hate the “rod” (7626).  The problem is when a parent “spares” (2820) the child to avoid the responsibility.

Proverbs is very open about training children.  They need to be taught to act in a civilized manner.  No one needs to be taught to lie.  They need to be taught to tell the truth.  Part of training is correction.  When we don’t give it, chaos ensues.  Picture buying your child a toy train set and trying to run it without the tracks.  Your first problem would be getting it to move at all.  The power comes through the tracks.  If you overcame that it would still be pointless because it would just run into things.

So?  Discipline your children.  Put them in contact with the power of life.  Give them a track to direct their energy.  They will be out on their own soon enough.  If you don’t think they will listen now, what about then?