The rod

The point I'm making, which is why I used the examples I did, despite your disagreement with them, is the author's intent was a literal rod . Whether I use a rod(aka branch or stick), a spoon, a flat board, or my hand, I am following the literal meaning intended by the author(as opposed to a figurative one), which is using physical discomfort to guide and correct as part of the discipline and training that I am commanded to do.

Yes, I've heard this argument before.
Perhaps you could elaborate on what you mean by "classifying it in the same way".

 

Webdog, I don't believe you need a parenting class. Your posts show a loving, level headed, godly father. Hope you trust your instincts in studying the word over anyone else's advice.
If anything, imo, it is you who should be teaching a parenting class.
Your new baby is adorable, but I must admit, I'll miss the other pic of your son. Maybe I said this already. Sometimes I would imagine picking him up and giving him a big hug. He's one good looking kid! :1_grouphug:

 

Proverbs is not the 10 commandments, but is a collection of useful principles that God's people would do well to heed and apply in their lives as best they can.

I think the disagreement amongst Christians lies in one area, does the word of God give parents the authority to physically discipline their children if necessary as part of their obedience in teaching and training their children?
I believe the answer is yes. Parents have been given by God through His Word the authority to discipline their children which at times may include pain and discomfort.

 

Ok, I'll look forward to it

 

I believe that consistent Bible interpretation would show that figures like the 'rod' are both figurative and literal. This is often true of figures in the Bible.
The rod is the most effective tool for training. However, if the child is wise, then soon a look, even across a crowded room, will be enough of a 'rod' to correct the child. But this is not because the child naturally avoids physical pain, rather that the look reminds the child of the potential pain of the rod. If the rod is administered correctly, by teenage years, the child will be motivated by love, and not fear. Then, risk of dissapointment is that figurative 'rod' that will punish that child mentally if he disobeys.

 

Hi Rubato
I disagree that "the rod" (if you are speaking of striking a child with an object) is the most effective tool for training.

I bolded your words above.

Striking a child with a foreign object to hurt them should be the very very last resort, if used at all.

 

Ah, but it is not to hurt (if I'm understanding the term 'foreign object'). It is to help. If you do not believe that spanking should be a normal part of a child's discipline, I have a hard time seeing how you could take the Bible literally.
Besides the Bible, corporal punishment has been a part of normal society for 4000 years--only in the last 50 years have we grown 'wise' enough to know that it is bad for a child, not good...

I bolded your words, 'to hurt.'

 

Striking a child with a foreign object to hurt them should be the very very last resort, if used at all.raying:

I suppose you are a, "go to your room till you behave yourself" parent.

No sir........the "rod" is Gods way and is the FIRST choice!

 

You must be a work of art as a parent.

 

Well put!!!
I know until my mother died at 93 or my father died at 61, I didn't want to do anything to disappoint them. They used shall we say the rod on me, but I don't ever recall it after 9 or 10 years of age,( keep in mind that was back in the 40's and 50's) shall we say I became a wiser child.
My coaches in HS and collage would use a type of discipline, like run for an hour or so or do a 100 or so push up or be the bull in the bull in the ring, I all so became a little wise.
As a preacher friend of mine told me when I ask him back in the 60's, why he didn't do more teaching on how to bring up your children, he said, lets see how mine turn out when they are in their 30's, 40's and 50's. He said lets see if they live for Christ or self. He said mine could turn out like Billy Sundays or worst.
I have been blessed up till now, I have 3 children from 43 down to 12 and no problems with them up till this point, much time is left to see with the 12 year old but she has been brought up the same as the older two and I haven't had to spank her after about age 5.

 

You must be a work of art as a parent.by saturneptune

Why do I feel like Charlie Brown......."why is everybody always"...well it doesn't matter.

Lets see, Pro 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him How many ways can we twist this verse?

Rod: shay'-bet
From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, that is, (literally) a stick (for punishing,)

You know what bud, since you questioned my parental ability.......let me make an observation about you. I have an idea, (this is my own opinion) that if we knew your kids, it wouldn't take us long to see that you didn't use the rod!

 

Since you believe the apex of raising a child is to make one black and blue, my guess is my kids turned out much better than yours.

 

Since your middle name is in Prov 22:15, my guess is that my parenting skills far exceed yours. Since you believe the apex of raising a child is to make one black and blue, my guess is my kids turned out much better than yours.by saturneptune

My middle name isnt Prov. 22:15, you must have me mixed up with somebody else :flower: ......as far as your kids are concerned, That's great!!

 

And that's another report.

Sopranette

 

..............oh by the way saturneptune the apex of our parenting skill is trusting God and bringing up our kids His way.........so far it's worked. (see previous posts)

 

And that's another report. by
Sopranette

Honey............people like you really make it tough on a fellow like me to keep my composure!

We had a "MENS" prayer breakfast this morning at our church. There is non loving KJV mocked Baptist preacher cried and prayed with a brother whose wife has bone marrow cancer. During prayer we found out another fellow had a daughter leave her baby and run away from home and yet another found out his 15 year old daughter is pregnant. That is not yet half of it. There is many more problems due to lack of parental responsibility. MOST of it is due to weak kneed spineless parents that don't have the guts of a snail. These are the ones against the Scriptural teaching of discipline!

The only thing I can do as pastor is PREACH PRAY AND PREACH! Then I sit back and watch the world through the TV and internet and parents that are more concerned with materialism then raising their family for GOD!

You want to report me, go for it. I'll take a half of a baby aspirin to get over it.