The bible says "Spare the rod and spoil the child" .What does it mean?
By somebodybig
@somebodybig (941)
4 responses
@sunshinecup (7871)
•
3 Sep 07
That is not from the Bible, it was written by a writer and is not written in the Bible. I beleive it was part of a poem.
@somebodybig (941)
•
3 Sep 07
Read Proverbs 13 verse 24.Also read Proverb 23 verses 13 to 14.Read those Bible verses and get back to me sunshinecup.
@sunshinecup (7871)
•
3 Sep 07
Hudibras by by Samuel Butler.
A curious fact is that Butler in his poem originated the phrase "Spare the rod and spoil the child," and although the phrase is often taken to be a Biblical injunction about child-rearing, (probably as a corruption of Book of Proverbs 13:24), it is in the context of Hudibras a bawdy metaphor suggesting the best way to curtail amorous passions or, through double entendre, to prevent conception:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudibras
What the Bible really reads...
Proverbs 13:24
[24] He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 23:13
13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Proverbs 23:13
14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
My answer-
Proverbs is a book of poetry and is written in figurative language. These passages means we must as parents correct our children, it is part of our job and in doing so we are not being bad parents but loving.
@marshall_blake2000 (304)
• United States
3 Sep 07
I'd have to agree with the first comment there. Discipline obviously does not mean whipping, especially with a rod, the passage can be taken figuratively. I'm sure many men would agree with the fact that there mother's tone is still enough to get them in line. Discipline is the key factor alomst missing in America.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
3 Sep 07
Well it doesn't mean to beat them like some people think. It means that if your child knows they are doing wrong and continue this wrong behavior then action must be taken. It depends on the age and wrong behavior, but usually with my son it was time out. Though there has been times I had to open handedly swat his bottom, it is few and far between. Now that he is five and loves certain games and tv shows, I use them, if he misbehaves, then those things are taken from him. He also, with each punishment, must tell me why he was put in the corner or had games taken away, that way he knows. Some parents just punish without telling the child why and that is wrong, how are they going to know not to do it again if they are not told in the first place?
@somebodybig (941)
•
4 Sep 07
As human beings we sometimes reach the peak of our endurance with kids.I understand what you mean with some swat on his bottom.Punishment is just the right way to discipline children and not by beating or using the rod
1 person likes this
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
3 Sep 07
PArents have an obligation to channel their children in the right direction. Based on your moral values and believe it will be different. We have todiscipline the child and it does not necessarily means spanking them. You can withhold certain priviledges and things that you know they enjoy doing. My child she is a tv fanatic so when I tell her todo something and she does not I lock the tv, dvd and cable and that's it.
Another thing, when we go to church children her age are all walking up and down and misbehaving but she sits right there and if she needs tog o to the restroom she has to seek my permission first. Even as a small child she knew whenever she goes out just the proper way to behave. So if you instill in them morals and values from an early age you wont have half the problems other parents face. I know that for a fact. The only problems I really have with her is putting back things in the right place
@somebodybig (941)
•
4 Sep 07
You have a very descent and obedient daughter.It shows that you have trained her properly with good morals.keep it up.
