Parenting by the Book
STUDY 258
Text: Proverbs 23
4 June 2006
Dear Parents,
MORE ON THE SUBJECT OF DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN
The following text is probably one of the most controversial texts in today’s modern society.
Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if beat him with a rod, he will not die.
You shall beat him with a rod
And deliver his soul from hell.Proverbs 23:13-14
1. The primary issue is “correction”
2. The secondary issue is “the rod”
It would be wise to bear these two thoughts in mind as we ponder the objections of modern advocates of non-corporal punishment whatsoever.
INEVITABLE CLASH BETWEEN BIBLICAL AND SECULAR POSITIONS
We should expect that there would be differences between the Biblical and the secular approaches to bringing up children.
1. Modern secular positions
a) No physical or corporal punishments whatsoever.
b) Children to be reasoned with only.
c) Children may be psychologically traumatized if beaten.
d) Criticism and rejection of Biblical teaching as “barbaric”.
e) Some countries have laws that can take parents to court for “child abuse”.
2. Understanding the Biblical position better
a) The rod is not meant to be employed as the first means of chastisement.
b) The Scriptures are not advocating that children should be beaten half to death!
c) The Scriptures only contain a severe warning that if children are not corrected even when they are doing wrong, that road leads to “hell.”
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie