Proverbs 3:11-12

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."

The foolish child does not understand correction. It is a heavy, unbearable, mean-spirited thing done to him. The wise child understands that correction is something done for him, something beneficial, helpful, and loving. Why does a father delight in his wise son? Because the wise son appreciates his father's correction. He knows while it is not immediately pleasurable, it is for his own good in the long run. He trusts the loving hand of his father to provide good for him, and not do him any evil. This son is a delight.

Psalms 1:1-6 compares the good person to fruitful and valuable grain, and the wicked, sinful scorner to the chaff which the wind driveth away. The circumstances of life will beat down on the foolish child, until he can not stand. God's blessings will not be on his life, and his path is one that will end in sadness and despair.

The father of a fool can only hope that once broken of his pride and stubbornness, the foolish child will return to God, repent of his wicked choices, and learn that his father was a loving guide to be respected and followed. How much better to determine early to be a strong tree, planted by the rivers, sinking down roots into the ground and drinking deeply of the water of the Word? Who would choose to be the worthless chaff, which the wind driveth away leaving a forgotten life void of accomplishment, blessings, good influence on others, and joy?