Depravity is more than a doctrinal tenet. It is a living reality found in every single child born since Adam and Eve sinned. It is so real that Solomon says it is bound to the heart. It is fixed, knit into every desire. It cannot be wished away, reasoned away, or bribed away. Children do not naturally or suddenly forsake foolishness and become wise. And yet, foolishness does not have to reign supreme. God provides help in the form of correction. If children will become wise, change of direction must be a regular part of their experience. This change of direction includes all forms of training-teaching, reminders, practice, and chastisement. It is through regular, consistent correction that foolishness is driven away. You see, what we believe determines what we do. Rearing children faithfully is hard work. It is easy to neglect our responsibilities as parents. But the doctrine of depravity is true because God says it is true. If we believe God regarding our children’s penchant for foolishness, we will not neglect correction.