Teach the Kids

Proverbs 13:13-25

 “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.  The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.  Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.” (Proverbs 13:13-16)

A person who thinks other people are stupid and refuses to listen will be destroyed but a person who respects the advice of parents, teachers and authorities will receive a reward.  The teachings and rules of wise people help one avoid the traps in life that might kill or destroy, and teach how to enjoy life.  Life is hard for those who refuse to follow the rules and learn from others.  Smart people learn, but foolish people show off their stupidity.

“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.   Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” (Proverbs 13:17-18)

Wicked people get caught up in doing things that are wrong and cannot be trusted with responsibility.  Faithful people will do what they were sent to do, relieving one of his burden.  People who do not listen will end up broke and embarrassed while those who listen to warnings will be successful and respected. 

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” (Proverbs 13:19-21)

Accomplishment of a goal is a sweet sensation, but fools hate the idea of giving up their sin to accomplish them.  Who a person associates with has a great deal of influence in what he will accomplish.  Association with wise people will tend to result in bing successful, but hanging out with lazy or foolish people will lead to failure and trouble.  As the saying goes, what goes around comes around.  Evil follows sin, and those who do right will be repaid. 

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.  Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.” (Proverbs 13:22-23)

A good man will have something worthwhile to leave for his descendants, even if it is just a good reputation.  Whatever a wicked person saves up will ultimately benefit those who have done right instead of his children.  Poor people do not get less than others, they just don’t make good use of it.  Because so much is wasted or lost by carelessness, they don’t have enough to do what is needed.

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.  The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.” (Proverbs 13:24-25)

People who don’t teach and correct their children don’t really care about them.  If they loved them they would teach them what is right to protect them from harm and keep them out of trouble.  It is far better to spank a child to teach him not to run into the street than to go to his funeral because he didn’t learn.  Those who do right will have a happy and satisfying life.  Those who do wrong will have a hard time.  Teach them to do right, even if you have to punish them to do it.