Posted on 03/22/2021 10:18:16 PM PDT by Pilgrim's Progress
“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell” (Proverbs 23:13-14 KJV).
There are very few verses in Scripture more misunderstood than the ones before us today.
Every child needs correction from time to time. Society has unfortunately attempted to criminalize corporal punishment in the home, and we are reaping the results in ways unimaginable. Children, that once had a healthy respect for authority because of early discipline in the home are now challenging their teachers, the police, and their parents in a struggle for domination. Today’s child is more interested in their “rights,” than they are of living right.
Most of us that have lived past the age of fifty or so can well recall what happened to us when we stepped out of line. Many an occasion found my dad reminding me just how much my whupping was going to hurt him more than me. It never worked to suggest then that we change places so it wouldn’t hurt so much—and it usually ended up hurting a bit more than I anticipated. We look at where we are today and thank God for it. We would not have been the men and women we are today but that life lessons were engrained into us at a young age.
One thing that should be obvious, but those that hate God, and His ways are quick to pounce on the Bible’s harsh language and yell “abuse!” Some in ignorant zeal have crossed a line and have committed abusive acts upon their children on the basis of the Bible, but anyone with a modicum of common sense know that there are other issues in play regarding those that misuse Scripture in such a way. A good many of these folks are mentally challenged and are driven by rage and perhaps alcohol.
I have to admit that any time my parents allowed anger to get the best of them, it was due to my own actions. Often, my mom would smack with whatever she could reach at the time and looking back I realize that I completely deserved it.
God disciplines His children as well: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Hebrews 12:6-7 KJV).
Did you notice any word in the above verse that stands out? May I suggest it is the word “love?” We show our love for our children by applying the board of education to the seat of knowledge with the goal of directing our kids to the right ways. Proverbs reminds us that “a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Proverbs 29:15).
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Your post reminded me of how grateful I am to have had such wonderful parents. My brother and sister and I were blessed.
Amen to that. We did not have a Christian home growing up, but my parents did believe in knocking some common sense in us. It is my honest belief that it kept me from making some pretty terrible mistakes that could have cost me much. For as good as they did, if we were kids these days, my folks would probably have gone to jail for some of the things they did to us. That is how far this country has lost their mind and why we have kids rioting in the streets.
Mold a child when he is young, and he will be sure to mold when he is old. (Proverbs 32: 10)
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