Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

We are blind without Christ. We sin; and when there are no consequences, pride sets in (yet another sin). We think ourselves invincible, in control of all that pertains to our lives...we are "happy" because we get and do what we want. The longer consequences are not sown, the more we will continue to sin and even more so.

But God is just and righteous. He will judge all of us for our actions whether we receive judgment in life or death (or both). Verse 12 says, "...it will be well with those who fear God..." Obedience brings about freedom from punishment; and coupled with faith in Him, freedom from death to hell.

This verse is not specifically speaking about this next topic, but it is certainly an applicable principle for today. Parents would do well in correcting a child's disobedience. Children must learn early on what is right and what is wrong. They need to know that obedience is saving them from future pitfalls, everything from offending others in social settings to dying by way of a moving car in the street.

Proverbs 13:24 ~ He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Proverbs 22:15 ~ Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Just as parents encourage children to learn their colors and numbers quickly, so should children learn right and wrong quickly. A rod is much quicker than simply saying "no" over and over again. However, the rod does not just involve physical correction. "Rod" should be defined as correction physically, teaching spiritually, and reconnecting lovingly. Physical correction must be fused with God's Word and parental love so the child understands it is not just the behavior that needs to be modified. A child is not truly corrected unless the heart is changed -- without the heart change, it is only behavior modification which leads to hypocrisy, resentment, and an eventual shift back to wrong behavior.

II Timothy 3:16-17 ~ All Scripture is profitable...for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Swift correction is not only beneficial for children, but also for us as their parents. It is a good reminder to parents of God's chastening love for us. It reminds us of how He had to be against His own Son. He did not delight in seeing His Son bear the sin of the world just as we do not delight in correcting our own children. Correction of our children should increase our love for the Father as we remember we are HIS children always in need of correction -- and yet His love never falters because it is perfect. We should thank Him for correction because it (should) produce holiness in us as we become more like His Son.

Swift correction also benefits parents by producing a well-behaved child. As our children become more behaved, we will be able to rest from always correcting them.

Proverbs 22:6 ~ Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 29:17 ~ Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.

John MacArthur has several notes that sum it up perfectly...

Notes on Proverbs 13:24 ~ Early childhood teaching requires both parental discipline, including corporal punishment, and balanced kindness and love. There is great hope that the use of the "divine ordinance" of the rod will produce godly virtue and parental joy. Such discipline must have the right motivation and appropriate severity. One who has genuine affection for his child, but withholds corporal punishment, will produce the same kind of child as a parent who hates his offspring.

Notes on Proverbs 22:6 ~ There is only one right way, God's way, the way of life. That way is specified in great detail in Proverbs. Since it is axiomatic that early training secures lifelong habits, parents must insist upon this way, teaching God's Word and enforcing it with loving discipline consistently throughout the child's upbringing.

Lest my readers think I am heavy on the behavior modification side, that is only because words can not even contain how much more important it is for children to first and foremost come to know Christ as their Savior. Yes, we parents can force improved behavior; but only Christ can save them from their disobedient hearts. Only He can provide a heart that will permanently and righteously alter their behavior. I pray earnestly that my children will follow His way.

I want them to know that my way IS His way.