The Bible in several passages uses the word 'fool' to describe a disobedient child. It is important, therefore, to take a closer look at the characteristics of a fool as presented in the Scripture. According to Proverbs, a destructive fate awaits the fool. This is especially so because of the rebellious attitude of fools. The Word of God also describes fools as arrogant, untrustworthy, argumentative, reckless, and impulsive. Fools usually refuse instructions to their own detriment. The Bible says in proverbs 22:15:
"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him".

Children are usually disobedient when they wrongly assume that they know better than their elders, especially their parents. Such attitude would naturally give birth to arrogance. It is this arrogant attitude that makes them impulsive, that is, they confidently speak and act without properly thinking through. This is also the root of the reckless behaviour of such children. Because they think they know so much, when in fact they know very little, they usually get into needless arguments. The combination of these detrimental behaviours would usually lead to an unstable lifestyle. When these vices are found in anyone, success will be far from such a person and destruction would be looming over such a life. I hereby prophecy into the life of every child of God that is reading this devotional today, the Lord will purge your life of all evil vices and behaviours today in Jesus' name. The encouraging thing is that God has a glorious purpose even for young people. And the earlier they start pursuing the purpose of God for their lives the better.

The purpose of God for Christian children is to be wise sons and daughters. Their wisdom is always expressed in their humility and simple obedience. The reward for their obedience and godliness is always evident in their success stories and testimonies. Obedient children are always at peace with God and man; they live in good health, and are usually free from any form of addiction. Because they have sound minds, they cannot be lured into cults and other destructive lifestyles. Even at a tender age, an obedient child views himself as a role model and a future leader. An obedient child is conscious of God's purpose for his or her life, being fully aware that fulfilling it will make God happy. Therefore, to fulfill the purpose of God is his sole occupation and his mind is constantly ruminating over how to achieve this. This awareness will keep his mind fixed on the word of God. Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.