These verses in Proverbs tell us that we must correct our children by spanking them when they are disobedient. There has been much debate on the subject of corporal punishment (the spanking of a child). Corporal punishment simply means bodily punishment, while the definition of spank in Webster's Dictionary is: 1.) to strike with something flat, as the open hand, especially on the buttocks, as in punishment. 2.) to move along swiftly or smartly, a smack given in spanking. This is what the Bible says about spanking:

Proverbs 22:15:                                                                                                                                         Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

First of all, discipline of children should begin at an early age, whenever a child begins to defy the parent and break the rules. Remember the old saying, "He who spares the rod, spoils the child." Notice that the Bible says that all children have foolishness in their hearts.  The Bible definition of a fool means one who is a rebel. This verse is saying that all children have rebellion in them and when it surfaces, it is our duty as parents to drive it out of them.  We are to do this by punishing them with a whack on the buttocks with a small reed-like rod. This rod could be a switch from a fruit tree branch or a willow tree branch or a small wooden spoon. It is not to be a large heavy rod or anything that would cause permanent physical damage.  The purpose of a spanking is not to cause any lasting bodily harm, but to cause spiritual correction. A spanking should be swift and cause short-lived pain that makes a point.  That point is that the small pain they feel now, will prevent them from feeling great pain by the act they are committing, which could cause them the loss of their lives in some cases. (For instance, if a child tries to run across the street, he or she could be run over and killed.) Parents should not fear that spanking will hurt or cause them to die, although some scream loud enough that it sounds that way. On the contrary, it is a kindness to a child, as they will respect authority, if it is done properly.

Some people say that all spanking is child abuse, but this is not true according to the Bible. The real abuse to the child is not to spank them when they need correction.  Of course some parents who themselves are out of control, can abuse their children by beating them in angry rages. This is child abuse. However, abuse does not justify doing away with spanking children if it is done properly, and for the right reasons. Parents who beat their children need help themselves. They are sinful people who will not only abuse their children by beating them, but may hurt them in other ways as well. Many times, these same children are left to go hungry and uncared for. They have no love. These kinds of homes need the love of Christ so that the whole family can be healed. We are not to spank our children with uncontrolled anger, and thus hand out unjust punishment.

Proverbs 19:18 (AMP):                                                                                                                                  Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not (indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and) set yourself to his ruin."

Proverbs 22:6:                                                                                                                                                  "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Godly discipline will keep children from being dysfunctional later in life, and also it is to prevent them from going to hell because of their rebellion, according to verse 14 of today's study.  It will also prevent them from having a life of hell here on earth.  It will also keep parents from having to deal with "little hellions."  We are told as Christian parents to train our children in the ways of the Lord and when they grow up, they will not depart from that training.  Notice it says "train," not "teach." Many parents teach their children right from wrong, but have failed to "train" them to obey.  Spanking is part of the training.  Many parents yell and threaten their children, but never follow through with the proper punishment, and therefore their children get their own way. A disciplined child will bring great delight to parents, while the child left alone will bring shame to the home.

Proverbs 29:15 &17 (AMP):
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.

Ephesians 6:1-4:
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for wisdom, as to how we are to raise our families. Give us Your grace when we must correct our children and grand-children. May we never punish our children when we are out-of-control. Deliver us of anger, and teach us how to spank our children with love. Lord, give my children and grand-children submissive and obedient spirits; and most of all, I claim that all my offspring will know and serve You. Lord, please watch over them and keep them safe in this dangerous world. May they all honor You first, and may they always honor their parents and grand-parents, as You have instructed in Your Word. I ask this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.