Proverbs 20:20-21 (ESV)
20 If one curses his father or his mother,
his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.
The foolish son insults his mother and father, but God will cause his cursing to turn back upon him. Just as the law teaches that those who honor their parents will live long, those who disparage their parents will be cut off prematurely. Many fathers labor diligently to leave something to their children, but the one who can’t wait to get her hands on an inheritance will experience the Lord’s punishment. Parents who truly love their children will speak and teach truth. Godly parents don’t cower before their children, seeking their approval, but instead recognize that if they don’t discipline their kids, God will. Our culture pressures us to worship our children; many even change churches or theology to appease their offspring. Trust God enough to be firm with your kids today. It would be better for you to be rejected by your kids now than for God to reject them later.