SPARE THE ROD SPOIL THE CHILD

timism of the day: Although the phrase, "Spare the rod and spoil the child," is not a Biblical text, there is no doubt that it reflects the meaning of two or three of the strongest Biblical Proverbs on child rearing.



These passages from the book of Proverbs read, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." (Proverbs 13:24, King James Version, KJV) "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." (Proverbs 22:15, KJV) "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him with the rod you will save his life from Sheol" ("soul from hell" Authorized KJV). (Proverbs 23:13, 15, KJV)



All other Biblical texts which speak of child rearing, with the possible exception of Hebrews 12:6 which speaks of "chastising" ("scourging" in the Authorized KJV), use more general, positive terms such as "discipline," "nurture" and "train up."



There are those texts that would even seem to contradict the Proverbs texts, a primary example being Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord."



Professionals who daily must deal with child physical abuse uniformly speak of the fact that most physical abuse results from attempts to punish or control the child, which attempt has escalated to produce physical harm. For this reason, many are concerned when religions, on the basis of the above quoted passages, advocate the use of the rod.



One pediatrician who works with physically abused children in hospital emergency room situations has said, "I do not understand that quote from Proverbs which says, 'If you beat him with a rod he will not die.' The fact is, many do die."



All Biblical scholars, including fundamental Christian teachers, know that, on the surface, at least, there are apparent contradictions between various sections and books of scripture. However, the fundamental scholar, who believes in the literal inerrancy of the entire Biblical text, will resolve these by pointing out the differences of time, place and dispensation.



In the case of potential child abuse by physical beating, it becomes extremely important that such scholars do resolve these apparent discrepancies. Perhaps this could be done by pointing to the "New Covenant" emphasis upon the positive teachings which follow the model of Jesus' treatment of children, or of the apostle Paul's definition of love in I Corinthians 13. (Note: the reference here has been to Christian scholarship. It is of interest that there seems not to be as much emphasis on these "use of the rod" passages as justification for corporal punishment in the Jewish tradition which gave us these Proverbs.)



It is not the place of this discussion to deal with theological issues, however. The manner in which this is resolved theologically must be left to each parent. So what are you thoughts on spanking a child?