Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
Proverbs 22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”
Proverbs 23:13-14 - “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol [the place of the dead].”
Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
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3 comments:
Marc, I'm not sure it's that helpful to call your post 'Smacking' and then give a series of texts on using the rod, without also giving us some explanation of what 'the rod' means. Are you saying that 'the rod' = smacking? Or that it necessarily includes smacking? Or that it means discipline, within which parents are free to choose to smack, but could find other forms?
Hi Ros,
Thanks. Good question. What are your thoughts?
I did have a look at the other biblical texts (in English, I'm afraid!) which speak about a "rod". Obviously "rod" is not always to be identified with a smack. But I do think in these texts where it is speaking of the discipline of children it suggests physical chastisement / corporal punishment (and that this doesnt do violence to the other biblical texts which speak of God smashing his enemies with a rod and so on). It would seem to me to be fair to conclude that corporal punishment is a more biblical form of discipline than other alternatives such as the naughty step, grounding, fines etc and I don't see any great reason to say that this is a cultural accomodation to Bible times that means it applies in a different way today.
I can see that in some situations other forms of discipline may be appropriate. In particular, I think parents should think carefully before shielding their children from the natural consequences of their sins and I can see that if a child shows himself to be unable to cope with a particualr responsibility (such as coming home on time) it might be right for that privilege (of going out with his mates on a Friday night) to be more closely regulated.
But for what its worth I am inclined to think that parents ought to smack their children. Of course in an atmosphere of hapiness, love, consideration, reasonableness and so on.
I would add while on the subject that its important children aren't disciplined for childishness / immaturity or weakness but for sin / rebellion / disobedience. And of course discipline is for the child's sake, not 'cos the parent was embarassed, frustrated or raging.
Yup, I agree with all that. I just think it needed to be said, since not everyone who reads your blog will also be able to read your mind.
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