Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of cor-rection shall drive it far from him.
Foolishness and the remedy
I. The evil deplored.
1. Of what does this foolishness consist? Wrong wishes, purposes, thoughts, pride, sin, levity, etc.
2. Where does this foolishness lurk? In the heart. Deep in the nature, among the affections. Hidden, secret, for some time unknown. In the heart of a “child,” even of a little child.
3. How this foolishness is held in the heart--“bound.” Children often hold to their folly with great tenacity; bound with other things, and spoiling what is good, like the thorns that choked the good seed.
4. How this foolishness in the heart shows itself. In evil tempers, in vain murmurings, in ungodly deeds, in wilfulness and obstinacy, etc.
5. The consequences to which, if uncorrected, this foolishness will lead. The forming of a character that men will despise and God hate. The embittering of the present life and the ruin of the life to come.
II. The remedy prescribed.
1. As a general rule correction is needed.
2. Literally, the rod required is often the “whip for the fool’s back.” It will often accomplish what words will not.
3. It may stand for wholesome discipline of many kinds. Learn--
(1) Seek the removal of folly from the heart by thought and prayer.
(2) In every correction, remember that it is for our good.
(3) Consider that the father who uses the rod does not willingly afflict.
(4) Better that folly be driven from us, than that we should be banished from heaven. (Handbook of S.S. Addresses.)