Good adults do not generally become good adults by accident; they are the result of diligent training on the part of the parents. While some discipline may be necessary, the parents should always have the best interests of their children at heart. “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15).

It starts in the home with the parents and their children, that’s why the fifth Commandment is important, it deals with the foundation of how they will treat and relate to others for the rest of their lives. And when parents raise honoring children it will also come back to them in the end, when they are older and need help with care. “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” (Proverbs 23:22). The aged and elderly need the love and respect of their children.

To subject to affliction or trouble, in order to produce a general change for the better in life or character. To punish is to inflict penalty for violation of law, disobedience to authority, or intentional wrongdoing. To chastise is to punish a particular offense, as with stripes, especially with the hope that suffering or disgrace may prevent a repetition of faults.

Every home should be a happy home, and while discipline is a necessary tool, the end result should always be positive. Proverbs 13:24 is simply saying that if you don’t care about your child, you won’t be concerned with the development of their character. The antonym for chasten is indulge. We’ve all seen what terrible brats children can be when parents continually indulge them. Children without boundaries grow up without restraints. If they are not taught restraints they often grow up to become criminals, taking what they want and doing as they please. “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right” (Proverbs 20:11). It is obvious which children have been instilled with a deep respect for authority and which have not, the Bible says in the last days there will be a breakdown of family and a rise in wayward children (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Likewise, Isaiah 13:16-18 is part of a prophecy as well. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy Babylon was still a part of the Assyrian empire, but long before Babylon ever became a world power and threatened Judah, Isaiah prophesied its destruction. Also, this destruction was by the Medes, not God or the Israelites.

Obviously it is very important for parents to be worthy of the honor they expect from their children. “And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4). While setting a bad example is not good, teaching one thing and doing another (hypocrisy) is far worse; after all, actions do speak louder than words. But far too many young people strive for independence and autonomy as early as possible, thinking they already have all the answers. There are countless examples of children hurt or killed because they did not heed the words of wisdom and warning from their parents. “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” (Proverbs 23:24,25).

Ephesians 6:1 says “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right,” however, obeying one’s parents does not supersede the God’s law. The Fifth Commandment is about honor, not obedience. Note that the text says to obey your parents “in the Lord.” If a child is asked by their parent to do something that goes against God and what is right and good, than of course they should not obey the will of that parent.