10. Is there danger of delaying correction too long?
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Prov. 19:18. See Prov. 23:13, 14.
11. Does proper correction evidence a want of parental love?
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Prov. 13:24.
Note.—One Christian mother writes thus concerning the importance of child training: “Children who are allowed to come up to manhood or womanhood with the will undisciplined and the passions uncontrolled, will generally in after-life pursue a course which God condemns. The neglect of parents to properly discipline their children has been a fruitful source of evil in many families. The youth have not been restrained as they should have been. Parents have neglected to follow the directions of the Word of God in this matter, and the children have taken the reins of government into their own hands. The consequence has been that they have generally succeeded in ruling their parents, instead of being under their authority. False ideas and a foolish, misdirected affection have nurtured traits which have made the children unlovely and unhappy, have embittered the lives of the parents, and have extended their baleful influence from generation to generation. Any child that is permitted to have his own way will dishonor God and bring his father and mother to shame.”
12. Whom does the Lord chasten?
“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Heb. 12:6.
Note.—From this we may learn that all child training should be done in love, and that proper child training is an evidence of true love.
13. Against what evil should fathers guard?
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Col. 3:21.