“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15
Eli’s children grew to become wayward and God held him accountable for not being firm enough with them 1 Samuel 2:29-34.
God did not hesitate to bless Abraham because He was confident that the patriarch would command his children and household to keep His laws Genesis 18:17-19.
Everything left to itself tends to disorder. In the same vein, any child not strictly cautioned to behave properly will ultimately become spoiled.
“He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” Prov 13:24 NKJV
The rod is not just cane, it connotes firm correction when children err. You cannot be permissive with a child all the time and expect him/her to grow up with good morals.
God expects you to command your children and household to uphold His status, as Abraham did.
Father, please help me to train my children in Your ways IJN.
Shalom!