How to Raise a Worthless Child: A Radical Guide by Following the Example of Eli

Do you aspire to raise a worthless child? Someone who dishonors God, disrespects others, and leaves a trail of destruction in their wake? Look no further than the example of Eli, the priest of Israel, and his infamous sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli provides a clear blueprint on how to utterly fail as a parent. Let’s take a deep dive into this Biblical case study and learn how to raise children who are, in the words of Scripture, “worthless men” (1 Sam 2:12).

Step 1: Honor Your Children Above God

The first rule in raising a worthless child is simple: place your children above God. Eli did this masterfully. He allowed his sons to indulge in blasphemous behavior and refused to restrain them, effectively honoring them above the Lord (1 Sam 2:29; 3:13). When your children sin, turn a blind eye or, even better, join them in their sin. Eli didn’t just tolerate his sons’ sinful actions—he participated by fattening himself on the stolen sacrificial meat (1 Sam 2:29). He made no serious attempt to stop their wickedness, showing that when you honor your children’s desires over God’s commands, you can pave the way for their spiritual and moral ruin.

Step 2: Avoid Discipline at All Costs

If you want to raise children who grow up to be irreverent bullies, gluttons, and fornicators, take Eli’s approach: avoid discipline at all costs. Hophni and Phinehas, his sons, didn’t know the Lord and didn’t care to. They were gluttons, forcefully taking the best portions of sacrificial meat for themselves (1 Sam 2:13–16). They slept with the women who served at the tabernacle (1 Sam 2:22). Instead of stepping in to correct or restrain them, Eli offered only mild rebukes—words that fell on deaf ears (1 Sam 2:25). Discipline, when watered down or absent, guarantees that a child’s sinful nature will flourish unchecked.

Step 3: Model Sinful Behavior

Want to ensure your children follow a path of destruction? Set the example yourself. Eli, while aware of his sons’ actions, was not entirely innocent. He shared in their sin by consuming the meat they took by force. When parents indulge in wrongdoing or even implicitly support their children’s sin, it gives the green light for their offspring to continue in wickedness. A child’s greatest influence is often their parent. If you model a disregard for God’s commands, your children are likely to follow suit.

Step 4: Ignore God’s Warnings

God is merciful and often gives warnings before delivering judgment. But if you’re set on raising a worthless child, make sure to ignore these warnings completely. Eli was warned not once but twice about the impending doom that awaited his house due to the sins of his sons (1 Sam 2:27–36; 3:11–14). Yet, Eli took no meaningful action. His inaction led to the prophesied outcome: his sons were killed on the same day, and his family line was cut off from the priesthood (1 Sam 4:11; 1 Kgs 2:27). To ensure your children’s spiritual downfall, disregard any divine warnings and continue on a path of negligence.

Conclusion: The Fruit of Negligence

Eli’s story is a tragic reminder of the consequences of honoring children above God, avoiding discipline, modeling sinful behavior, and ignoring divine warnings. His failure as a father not only led to the spiritual and moral collapse of his sons but also brought about God’s judgment on his entire household. The Scriptures are clear: “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Sam 2:30). By following Eli’s example, you’re guaranteed to raise children who are worthless in the eyes of God.

However, if you desire a different outcome—one where your children grow to know the Lord, walk in His ways, and honor Him above all—consider doing the opposite of what Eli did. Discipline your children in love, model godliness, heed God’s warnings, and place Him above all else, including your children. It’s never too late to turn to the Lord and ask for wisdom in raising the next generation for His glory.

Remember, the choices you make today as a parent will echo for generations to come. Let Eli’s example serve as a warning, not a guide.