As a teacher, I am frequently reminded that many parents believe that their children can do no wrong. I believe that those parents believe that to acknowledge that their children behave badly is to admit failure on their part, or that it would be a betrayal to their child in some way. The Bible teaches that “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child…” (Proverbs 22:15). So, who’s lying: Almighty God, or your child?

Proverbs 22:15 not only teaches us that “foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child,” but it also teaches us what we can and must do about it. “The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Too many parents are unwilling to discipline their children, and the result is adults with foolishness bound up in their hearts. We end up with adults who think that they are gods. They are entitled, irresponsible, and prideful. Many parents in our culture have abandoned the discipline of their children because they believe it to be abusive. So, they don’t discipline their children, then they shake their heads and wonder why their children are undisciplined. Biblical discipline is not abuse, physically or emotionally. In fact, the Bible teaches the following principles: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), and “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart” (Colossians 3:21). Discipline, whether corporal or otherwise, is measured. It is not carried out in anger, but in love. We can’t neglect discipline and expect disciplined children.

I love my children more than I knew I could love someone. And, for that reason, I must discipline them. The Lord has taught us to “Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction” (Proverbs 19:18). As unpleasant as it can be, I’m scared to death not to discipline my children.