2 Chron. 28 [The Message]

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It wears you out to read about the stupid things Judah’s kings did and how they suffered from them. It seems they didn’t learn by observing the devastation incurred by their forefathers. Such was Ahaz. Like his father Jotham, he reigned 16 years and did such abominable acts like forcing his children to walk into fire in the Valley of Hinnom. Because of his corrupt leadership, thousands of Judah’s inhabitants were kidnapped by opposing nations. Sad.

We learn from the lessons of life. Even Jesus had to learn from His experiences. “Even being God’s Son, He learned to obey by the things He suffered.” [Heb. 5:8 NLV]

The home is the best place for children to learn obedience. There they are corrected and chastened by parents who love them. Hence, the importance of both correction and chastisement. If disobedience is not lovingly dealt with, they will have to suffer at the hands of others who may not have the same investment of love.