Meditations

If you want to train your children correctly, train them in the way they should go, and not in the way that they want to go. Remember children are born with a definite bias towards evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves, they are certain to choose wrong. The mother cannot tell what her tender little infant may grow up to be, tall or short, weak or strong, wise or foolish, he may be any of these things or not, it is all uncertain.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. – Proverbs 29:15

But one thing the mother can say with certainty: he will have a corrupt and sinful heart. It is natural for us to do wrong. “Foolishness,” says Solomon, “is bound in the heart of a child,” (Proverbs 22:15) “but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15). Our hearts are like the earth on which we walk; leave it alone, and it is sure to bear weeds.

If, then, you want to be wise in dealing with your child, then you must not leave him to the guidance of his own will. Think for him, judge for him, act for him, just as you would for one who is weak and blind; but for pity’s sake, do not allow him to pursue his own unruly tastes and inclinations. It must not be his tendencies and wishes that are favored.

He does not yet know what is good for his mind and soul, any more than what is good for his body. You do not let him decide what he will eat, and what he will drink, and how he will be clothed. Be consistent, and deal with his mind in the same manner. Train him in the way that is scriptural and right, and not in the way that he thinks is right.

This devotional is taken from the NEW J.C. Ryle daily