Spare The Rod Spoil The Child Question.....?

Question

Proverbs is a poem. If you ask any poet they will tell you that taking poetry literally can get you into trouble. I read in a book that rod is translated as the Word of God. Anyways Proverbs is a POEM! Poetry has medifords. Jesus said that if you lust your eye should be guaged out and that if you steal your hand should be chopped off. How many people take that literally? Funny that when God talks about punishing Adults it's not literal but when it come to children it is. Why? Jesus said, "if you offend a little one who believes in me it is better for you if a millstone were tied around your neck and you were casted into the depths of the sea." This is not just talking about child molesters. There are many ways you can offend a child. Smacking is one. Jesus used a whip to drive out money changers? These were ADULTS. And The Bible didn't say he hit anyone with it. Perhaps just the ground to scair them. Proverbs 23:2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.

proverbs 25:24 talks about living on a roof instead of living with your crancky wife. How many Christian men do you know in bad marrages who live on the roof? The list goes on and on people. It's just a poem. And you child abusers will be surprised on judgement day when you are thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around your neck.

Answer 1

I believe he is speaking of us (Adults) as the children, we as adults need to know the consequences of our actions.

The quote by Jesus shows we shouldn't do anything to hurt a child, even as a form of teaching. Spanking children is a lazy persons form of discipline, it should be taught which takes time and patience.

The other quote is saying anywhere is better than with her even if it's on the roof, that's common sense. If you ever had one following you around nagging you the roof would probably be the last place she'd look for you.

Answer 2

Well, that's the problem with many adults today. They raise their kids to be brats because they didn't correct their mistakes in a manner that is effective. Spanking and punishing a child is different than abuse.

I think that when the bible was written it was done so by men who wanted to control and dictate virtually everything. Even 2000 years ago, people knew the difference between right and wrong. It's the choices they made that got them in trouble. Maybe the bible writers thought that beating a child early in life would make them a better adult. This was not always the case then as it is now. Jesus may have beat money changers with a whip to symbolize thier greed. Maybe he was mad because he was doing without when they had something he thought everyone should have. The bible has been interpreted and changed in so many ways that it's hard for modern society to find the truth in it. Just examples. And if anyone takes the bible literally, then the purpose of the bible is being overlooked. You cannot convince me that the bible does not exaggerate things just a bit. Was Jesus real? Most likely, but he was still a man. It's probably true he die on a cross, but not for our sins. I think someone really hated him and thought his death would be preferable than him living. His followers probably conceived the notion that he rose from the dead after 3 days. This is not possible as science has proven it can't be done. Psalms is a good poem I'll give you that much. Grandfather always said that if you want to pray well, read the bible and quote it.

I'm not sure what your question was, but spare the rod and spoil the child? Such an question is always a hard one to answer.

Answer 3

I think you are putting more into this than there is.
First... I would disagree with you that the Book of Proverbs is a poem. It is a book of wisdom and teaching (instruction). And you can't necessarily compare other passages in the Bible to justify or read into what it is saying.
I believe the "spare the rod and spoil the child" is first meant to say that yes, kids that go without physical punishment will be spoiled. We probably have seen enough evidence of tha personally to agree.
And that extends to loving discipline in all parts of a child's life.
Great study in the Bible - we don't often hear study on that imprtant verse.

Answer 4

well, part of your problem in understanding this is that it was written in a totally different language, and the translation you use is not even an accurate one, in that it's a translation of a translation (of a translation!)... so there are going to be inaccuracies. also, it was written for a different culture, in a different era, when societal norms were different. and, to top it off, you are quoting both hebrew texts and new testament, as if they had a common point of reference (they don't, they were written at different times for different cultures - and the new testament was trying to negate most of hebrew texts)

btw, the psalms are not poetry, perhaps they are translated to poetry (which would make their translation even less accurate) and as for metaphors, the culture, at the times all of these were written (there is a large span of time involved) encouraged the sort of punishments you are mentioning. if you read the news, you'll find that the muslim world still uses these forms of punishments. so, there are cultural differences you have to take into account when you are reading/quoting these works.

Answer 5

First of all, Proverbs is wisdom drawn from King Solomon, who was known as the wisest man ever. The speech or language used is figurative. It is suppose to give you a mental picture of what is being said. If you study the scriptures, you will know exactly what is being said.

Answer 6

"Spare the rod, spoil the child" for some reason many people interpret that as saying you can spank your children but I think too many people take that too literately. I would think god or Jesus would've suggested light to moderate physical punishments.

Answer 7

Another version is the "rod" as the rod is used by a shepherd to prod their sheep. Ps 23

Answer 8

Are they poems I thought they where Proverbs or sayings?

Answer 9

Oh lord. PLEASE do not talk about poetry if you're going to call it a "mediford". It's a METAPHOR. And some children need to be spanked occasionally. I wish they'd go out and beat some adults occasionally as well.

Answer 10

Psalms is more poetry, and proverbs is wisdom.