An important duty of parents is to teach their children to talk. In the long, laborious process, there is one word which every child seems to learn all by himself, a word which no one has to teach him. And that one word is "no". There are many things most children say "no" to, such as eating the right kind of food and going to bed at the proper time. It would be the easiest thing in the world for parents simply to allow a child to do whatever he wants - no more tears and no more pouting. Such peace! But complete permissiveness is in no way a sign of love. Parents who do not take the time and effort to guide their children have abandoned their role. As a result, children often grow up confused and feel inadequate in knowing what is good for them. Therefore, parents have the right and the duty to discipline their children because they are wiser and more experienced.

God is infinitely wise and His experience is eternal. His love is without measure. That is why He can and does say, "I the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go." No matter how old we may be, in relation to God we are like children. Without His guidance we would be worse off than a little child trying to grow up without parents. Ignoring God's commandments can only make a shamble of our lives. This was the bitter lesson the Jews had to learn, for their period of exile was the result of their disobedience.