Chapter 22

1You also, fathers, must teach your children to observe the commandment of the Lord and to follow the way of Christ. Command them to learn a handicraft and do not let them sit idle, for then they will become puffed up in spirit and far removed from doing good. Therefore train them, and do not spare them correction, for children do not die from correction but are instead saved from condemnation.

2For it is said, “Do not withhold your rod from your son, for hope is good; and when you beat him with a rod, you shall save his soul from death.” Moreover, it is said, “He who does not correct his son is a fool. Beat your son and scourge his sides while he is young, lest he become hardened and go far from you. He who neither teaches nor corrects his son hates him.”

3Teach your children, then, and correct them sharply in their youth, so that they may be humble and obedient to everyone. Teach them to write and to read the Holy Scriptures. Do not permit them to live idly, lest they transgress your commandments. Do not allow them to enter a tavern, lest they forget your admonition and be corrupted through fornication.

4But if their fathers are negligent in teaching and correcting them, the fathers become partners with their children in sin. When the children reach the full age of youth, let each marry a wife in a pure marriage, lest the impure desires of youth assault them and lead them into sin. Because of this, God will hold their fathers accountable for the sin on the day of recompense.