In the Bible?

Question

What does spare the rod and spoil the child mean as far as punishment as you see it in todays society?

Answer 1

It means: Don't be a sissy when it comes to parenting.

A child needs a good whack every now and then.......none of this "time out" crap.

My father hit us when we were little.....and now we have the utmost respect for people....

Discipline works

Answer 2

The sense of entitlement in today's society (I assume North American) is enormous, and that trickles down to children at an increasingly younger age.

Proverbs 13:24 says — "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." (NIV)

I think the word "discipline" embodies the idea of the rod more than "punishment". Discipline is meant to correct bad habits and to "build up" healthy habits for the sake of the child's future. Punishment can be more short-sighted, as reactive anger in the moment. Discipline is long-term, decisive vs reactive, making corrections for the sake of where they will be.

In today's society, to "spare the rod" is to not make the corrections in the habits of the child. It's to overlook patterns of poor character and failing to be decisive and effective in doing anything about it. The "rod" may not be physical, but just tell any teen that they can't have a cell phone and they'll tell you they'd rather endure a beating than go without some things that our culture says is the norm.

It's interesting that proverbs says "but if you love him... ", since I think a lot of parents who spoil their kids would say that they do love their kids deeply. Unfortunately, there can be a mis-match of priorities. Yes, they love their kids, but they love having their kids think of them as their "friends" more than as "parents". Or, they love living vicariously through their kids, letting them do everything they were not allowed to do as children, as some sort of rebellious tribute against their heritage.

Practically speaking, I believe it comes down to consequence and responsibility, two concepts best taught by careful discipline tailored to challenge but not break the child. Their egos are fragile, so parents must handle them gently but sternly. It's a fine balance that cannot be answered easily.

Answer 3

What it has always meant. In Old Testament days, a rod was a long pole used to herd sheep and defend against wild animals. In the context of child rearing, the rod is used to guide a child along the path of righteousness. It sets the boundaries which a child cannot pass. It has nothing to do with beating your child, though I admit a firm hand is sometimes in order.

Answer 4

Excellent question. It means PRECISELY THE SAME THING as it did then. It meant fair and loving discipline then. And it means the same thing now.

The "rod" is a Hebrew Idiom for MEASURED Discipline. Not necessarily a severe punishment with a stick. It could be a few taps with a stick, of course. But it also could also mean stern words, grounding, taking away toys, etc...

Answer 5

As I think most will notice in the Bible, God does approve of strict discipline, but not abuse, he says NOT to bring our children to anger....... today though, *Sigh*, people just go over board with it, and call it being a good parent, and in some cases it is done in hate, not love, as in KILLING their own child !! God will deal with them !!!!!! I have nothing and I repeat nothing against a good spanking, when needed, such as finding your child in the street after being told not to, but I use it sparingly and ONLY when called for..... I refuse to be a part of the world that lets the CHILDREN run the adults lives, which if you and others will be honest, that is what is happening in this country !!! God bless

Answer 6

Well in the bible it doesn't say that. But that statement in todays society means lack of disipine ("spoil") hence in my belief is why so many people would rather be given a gov. paycheck than work.

Answer 7

Discipline doesn't always require physical punishment as in the form of spanking.
Parents were responsible for teaching their children to be responsibly adults.
If they did not teach them, spend time with them and instruct them, letting them to choose their own path in life, then they were spoiling them.
Ruining their ability to make wise choices and to become responsible adults.

Answer 8

It means that as good Godly parents we should discipline our children,not beat them.If they are doing something wrong don't tell them 10 times to quit doing it.Tell them one time and if they do it again spank them gently or do a time out,whatever works the best.Be firm.If you do this then they will know you are serious and you will not have to do it again.Children respect authority.Not pansies.

Answer 9

The rod isn't a switch with which to beat someone . . .

The Rod is the staff a Shepherd uses to move a sheep . . . they don't beat them, just guide them with it.

as in, "the rod and the staff, comfort me."

Answer 10

If I gave my real opion on this I would be hated by everyone, But here is part of it. Lack of dicipline in our homes have left our children running wild in the streets.