Among the children of the same parents it is no new thing for some to
be hopeful and others the contrary; now here we are taught to
distinguish. 1. There is great hope of those that have a reverence for
their parents, and are willing to be advised and admonished by them. He
is a wise son, and is in a far way to be wiser, that hears his father's
instruction, desires to hear it, regards it, and complies with it, and
does not merely give it the hearing. 2. There is little hope of those
that will not so much as hear rebuke with any patience, but scorn to
submit to government and scoff at those that deal faithfully with them.
How can those mend a fault who will not be told of it, but count those
their enemies who do them that kindness?