Folly is found at the core of a child, a reforming rod whacks it into the wild 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him
Here is another reference to children (see 22:6) and the use of the rod (see 13:24). Here the fact that folly is bound up in their hearts is the focus. Experience confirms this. The rod of discipline could be taken metaphorically but in light of other proverbs, the use of corporal punishment is clearly envisaged. Nothing but careful discipline will effectively remove folly. Children are to be beaten not out of revenge or because they irritate us or to work off our anger. It is a matter of discipline. It is to be for their good. As divinely appointed agents we endeavour to correct them and turn them from the dangerous road of folly that they turn to by nature. Tedd Tripp’s excellent Shepherding a child’s heart deals with five common objections to corporal punishment made by parents.
Here is another reference to children (see 22:6) and the use of the rod (see 13:24). Here the fact that folly is bound up in their hearts is the focus. Experience confirms this. The rod of discipline could be taken metaphorically but in light of other proverbs, the use of corporal punishment is clearly envisaged. Nothing but careful discipline will effectively remove folly. Children are to be beaten not out of revenge or because they irritate us or to work off our anger. It is a matter of discipline. It is to be for their good. As divinely appointed agents we endeavour to correct them and turn them from the dangerous road of folly that they turn to by nature. Tedd Tripp’s excellent Shepherding a child’s heart deals with five common objections to corporal punishment made by parents.
I love them too much to spank them – It is unpleasant but 13:24 shows it is the loving thing to do.
I’m afraid of hurting them – 23:13, 14 comes in here. If we remain calm we will do them no harm.
I’m afraid of making them angry and rebellious – Keep the long term in view and see 29:17.
It doesn’t work – Inconsistency, irresolution, failure to hurt and hitting in rage are the real problems.
I’m afraid I’ll be arrested – Privacy and prudence are crucial factors here.
Another objection is that it teaches violence and getting what you want by force and will encourage violence towards other children. Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, who also write on these matters, usefully differentiate biblical chastisement and cultural spanking. Cultural spanking is 'Done to the child; a reaction activated by frustration; a last resort; meant to change outward behaviour; a punishment of behaviour; frustrating for the child and without positive long term effects'. Biblical chastisement is 'Done for the child; a response activated by rebellion; an act of love; used to change inward attitudes; intended to amend behaviour; a means of clearing the child’s guilty conscience and moulds lifelong character'. They say that the latter is rare. They also believe it needs only to be carried on in the first five years of a child’s life. Tripp is also rightly keen to stress (as 22:15 establishes) that it is the heart that needs to be disciplined.
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