Proverbs 29.15

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will, bringeth his mother to shame. Proverbs 29.15 NKJV

That's pretty plain advice in my book. Looking at other translations only supports the "black and white" of it. I am aware of teachers and camps that wiggle around the concept of the rod. But my studies and investigations have only confirmed that it is physical discipline. And of course, the Word itself supports itself. Amazing.

Check this out:
Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his sould from hell. Proverbs 23:13,14 NKJV

Or this more modern translation:
Don't be afraid to correct your young ones; a spanking won't kill them. A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death. Proverbs 23:13,14 The Message

Yup, that's right. Physical discipline. Beating. Spanking. Not popular these days, I know. In fact, just writing those words causes me to flinch. I have been inculcated with other concepts. But the Bible doesn't follow trends and fashions. It stands on its own. It stands in clear opposition to current philosophies.

So, the choice becomes more challenging. I must choose to live according to the precious Word rather than contemporary fads and trends that change with every whim. I must not shy away from the difficult. Neither should I allow my natural tendency to indulge foolishnness to overrule the wisdom prescribed in God's word.

We must love our children enough to do what is best for them. We must trust God enough to let His wisdom rule our behavior in this cause.

As I near the end of my child training career I find the need to be reminded of lasting principles.

Oh, how I love the Word of God!