Proverbs 5:22

"His own iniquities shall take the wicked and he shall be held with the cords of his own sins." The foolishness that binds the heart of a child will and can become chains, if not loosened from them. We watch this happen in our own hearts and it is sad, but sadder, to a parent, when we see it in our children. Christ can free us from our chains of our own molding, true. But the picture of the hellbound sinner walking through eternity with chains clanging is exemplified in this verse. The chains begin in life and will bind us through eternity, if not reproved and disciplined. So much more enjoyment and freedom there is for the child who has learned early to discipline his own behavior rightly. Christ is ever standing to save and deliver, but the ministry of parenting is to loose the bonds of folly that would become chains on their souls.