Unrestrained

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
Eli's sons were guilty of a life of immorality, but the Lord lays the blame for it on their father. "Because his sons made themselves vile, and he (Eli) restrained them not." 1 Sam. 3:1313For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. (1 Samuel 3:13).
Perhaps Eli was too busy with the work of the Lord, or perhaps he might have made the excuse that they were strong-willed children. Nevertheless, the Lord pinpoints the source of the problem-their father. There is no passage of Scripture that, should speak more solemnly to the hearts of fathers than this sad story. "They hearkened not unto the voice of their father." 1 Sam. 2:2525If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. (1 Samuel 2:25).
Now they were grown, but this problem really began when they were young. "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." Prov. 19:1818Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. (Proverbs 19:18).