Do you know what being a gentle parent means?
Are you a parent or grandparent that struggles with the four specific Proverbs that state the rod of punishment is appropriate when disciplining your children, meaning that we should spank a disobedient child?
The four rods of punishment in Proverbs:
- “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”
- “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.”
- “Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.”
- “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child life to himself brings shame to his mother.”
The rod was used for corporal punishment as King Solomon wrote these Proverbs to his son, who would become king one day. The word child meant someone between the ages of 12-18 and therefore considered a legal adult in society, which means these Proverbs were not written for children under 12.
A gentle parent never yells or spanks when punishing; instead, they disciple in love, which leads to knowledge!
Book Referenced:
- Gospel-Based Parenting: A Biblical Story on Discipline and Discipling, by Angela Harders
Bible Verses Mentioned:
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Get a cup of coffee, take about ten minutes to recharge your batteries, and equip your mind so you can raise warriors for Christ that will stand firm in the face of evil! Occasionally, we will be giving away free books – so stay tuned! My team and I are here to serve you all for the glory of our Lord!
