“A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous. Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away. Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.”
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It is significant that “sparing the rod,” and “bad company corrupts,” should appear so close to each other in Solomon’s thoughts. Truthfully, they are intrinsically connected. Here Solomon outlines the truth that discipline isn’t merely internal. Our lives are drastically influenced by outside forces. When we are old enough, this is an act of God’s grace, the work of the Holy Spirit and the willingness to submit our will to his. Before this, we have two training grounds upon which to build a wise life. The first is in the home with our families and the second is outside with our friends. A wise person understand the fool orb of development. A wise parent will not separate them. He will protect a child in the home and out. To this end, this is why social media and access to television and YouTube can be so damaging if unregulated. Conversely, this is also why children must be taught how to access God’s word as they become more independent. An adult in this social climate will have to knowingly lift it above all the readily available influences vying for their attention. A wise person will have to strategize their every existence. A wise parent will have already laid the foundations for that by introducing their child to scripture, teaching them clear boundaries and protecting them from outside negative forces.