At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Ps. 16: 11)
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18).
While There is Hope
There are two basic truths about child rearing that we glean from this proverb. The first is that time is a real issue, and the second is that the response of the child might create a temptation to forget that time is a real issue.
One of the things I came to realize when I was building my house was a fundamental reality about pouring concrete. This was true whether you were talking about a foundation, or a sidewalk, or a patio, or steps. The good thing about working with concrete is that, no matter what, two hours later you are all done. The concrete sets, and that means that it must be worked before it sets. This proverb tells us that there is a way in which children are like this. Work with your son while you have time. While there is hope. While the sun is still up and the concrete is still wet.
The way that you work the child/concrete is by means of chastening. That is one of the central things you do with the time that you have.
The second thing we learn from this proverb is that a child is concrete that can talk back, argue, cry, or wail. This is concrete that does not like to be worked. The child has negative opinions about being worked. Parents should not be surprised when a child is being noisy about it.
The message of Scripture here is plain. Do not be deterred. Do not lighten up because the concrete prefers a rough texture and would rather not be that smooth.
