Proverbs 22:15–16 (ESV)
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
Although children are precious gifts from God, they do not enter the world naturally inclined toward wisdom. From the very beginning, folly is bound up in their hearts. Left to themselves, they will naturally follow their own desires rather than God’s ways. Therefore, children need more than affection and encouragement. They need parents who lovingly correct and faithfully direct them in the path of wisdom.
Solomon then gives God’s remedy for foolishness. The rod of discipline represents firm, loving correction that confronts folly and directs a child toward wisdom. Throughout Proverbs, discipline is never portrayed as an expression of uncontrolled anger, but as an act of faithful love. Wise parents do not ignore sinful behavior or excuse it. They correct it consistently because they long to rescue their children from the path of folly and lead them onto the path of wisdom.
The next proverb exposes two different expressions of the same selfish heart. One person oppresses the poor in order to gain wealth. Another gives gifts to the rich in hopes of receiving favor in return. Though their methods differ, both use people for personal advantage rather than loving them as they should. Solomon warns that such selfish ambition ultimately leads not to lasting prosperity, but to poverty.
If God has entrusted children to your care, remember that loving discipline is one of the greatest expressions of love you can show them. Begin early. Teach God’s Word faithfully. Correct disobedience consistently and with love, even when the work is difficult and the results seem slow. Pray earnestly that the Lord will accomplish what only he can do by changing your child’s heart. The faithful instruction you give today will impact the course of your child’s life for years to come.
At the same time, every believer is a child of God under the loving discipline of a heavenly Father. If the Lord is correcting you through his Word or through difficult circumstances, do not resist him. Receive his discipline with humility, knowing that he disciplines those he loves. Humbly turn from your sin and submit yourself to his wisdom. His purpose is never to harm you, but to make you more like Jesus.