Proverbs 22:6 should not cause guilt in parents as much as it should cause vigilance. We are not to be buddy-buddy with our kids in the way the world says. We are on a rescue mission where we must lovingly correct our children because there is foolishness in their hearts. If we try to cover their sins, they will never see the need for Christ and the covering He offers at the cross.

Reflection
Why do so many Christian parents feel guilt when their children don’t turn out right? What part of the guilt is founded and what part is unfounded? Are the Proverbs promises? In what ways do we need to parent each child differently? What should remain the same? Are we responsible to God for how our children turn out, or are they responsible for their own choices? How should the discipline of a child change over time? In our culture, discipline is seen as something negative and unnecessary. Why does Proverbs say it is loving and evangelistic? What does it mean to have a gospel conversation with your children when you discipline them?