Proverbs 13:23-25 (ESV)
23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
God designed the earth to produce food for its inhabitants, but because of human greed, many who desire to work hard end up unfed. Wise parents who truly love their children will discipline them. Why? Because the parent who wants what’s best for her children knows that direction and correction are necessary to keep her kids on the right path. Unloving parents give in to the demands of their children, and in the end both the parents and the kids suffer. Those who are good and generous will be taken care of by the Lord. The wicked may appear well-fed, but their satisfaction is short-lived; they will be desperate for food and water in the judgment. Because we want our children to become wise, rejecting the path of the wicked, we must correct them when they get off course. How well are you doing when it comes to consistently following through on consequences for your children’s wrong behavior? Do they manipulate and wear you down with tears and excuses, or are you steadfastly resolved to adhere to God’s expectations for every parent?