To spank or not to spank?

[David from New Bern]

John Rosemond, syndicated columnist and professing Christian, had this subject matter in his article today. Is spanking commanded, suggested, or is the Scripture silent? What is sparing not the rod of correction?

[Marnie]

Spare the rod, spoil the child; that's according to Solomon, the world's smartest man. Of course, he had thousands of wives and only one child. So.......was he really that smart? I think he got the discipline thing right, though. If not commanded, it is strongly suggested. But, it is a fact that spanking does not work with all children. I believe the Bible endorses reasonable discipline, including but not limited to spanking.

[rfw]

Proverbs 23:13-14 "Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell."

I know that many who read these words suffered physical abuse, perhaps nearly to the point of death. It's a fallen world out there, and one of the favorite tools of the fallen is to take what was meant for good and use it for evil.

As a father of 2, I have spanked, and I have used other means of discipline as it seemed wise to me. The goal of true, godly discipline is not to punish, but to correct, and a truly loving parent keeps a guard over him-or her-self, and does not injure the child, or even come close to it.

In over 22 years as a parent, I've heard some strange ideas about discipline, and usually the strangest came from people who've never had their own kids, just wanted to experiment on somebody else's. Anyone who has ever tried to reason with a 2 year old has reached the point where reason will not prevail, and you must either give in to the child, or correct him. A gentle swat on the bottom is not child abuse, and it may save the child's life (or the parent's sanity).

Proverbs 13:24 "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him early."

[Guest jckduboise]

I am not sure that it is necessarily spanking that he is inferring. I believe it is discipline in general. Look at how God teaches us, it is with discipline. And the degree of the infraction always is followed up with degree.

I spank my child but only when she has done something that could cause harm to herself or another. I am consistent with her and the rules that are set. But her hardest lessons are always regarding morals.

I also see that our society has loosened their reign on our children and look at what they are becoming.

I think spanking is a personal preference but should never be done when a parent is angry. I also believe it is necessary. And if we truly love our children we will use appropriate discipline.

[David from New Bern]

Is there any mention of physical correction? Is the rod Solomon was referring to used for striking?

[Giaour]

I love the verse "he will not die"

[Times]

My personal experience with discipline was time. Time to a child is greater than to us. I would sit my daughter in a chair and not allow her to get up. The time passed slow for her and she had time to think about what she had done or didn't do. A spanking is over too quick and they don't have time to think about it. Besides I believe a lot of spankings are given in anger, which is then useless. Only my opinion. Thank God mine are grown and I don't have to deal with that issue any longer.

[Observer of dreams]

My personal experience with discipline was time. Time to a child is greater than to us. I would sit my daughter in a chair and not allow her to get up. The time passed slow for her and she had time to think about what she had done or didn't do. A spanking is over too quick and they don't have time to think about it. Besides I believe a lot of spankings are given in anger, which is then useless. Only my opinion. Thank God mine are grown and I don't have to deal with that issue any longer.

I plan on using the corner. Spanking will be a back-up if they continue not to listen. I was spanked and didn't suffer trauma from it. I think it's ok as long as there isn't any anger behind it only discipline. So keep it civilized

[GodisTruth]

I don't think a swat or two is wrong, but I don't believe in whipping a child with an item (paddle, belt etc.) I don't think that a rod necessarily means you have to hit a child. There are other forms of discipline to use and are quite effective.

[Giaour]

read what scripture says.

Proverbs 23:13-14 "Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell."