ANSWERS: 3
  • 6-23-2017 I find it exceedingly odd that people claim biblical authority for stupid things they do even though they don't believe the bible about any other topic. And of course if you disprove their stupid belief then they insist that is what they do and they are not going to change. So the bible is a lame claim in this topic. The bible does not say that, and few people understand what it does say. Proverbs 13:24 - "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Ok, now we see what the bible actually says, but what does it mean? What is a rod? To answer that we look up the first usage of the word: Exodus 21:20 - "And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished." This defines a rod as a weapon, one that might cause death. That definition applies until the word is redefined in the 23rd psalm: Psalms 23:4 - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The reason for this is that the bible speaks to us in our own language, and we sometimes change the meanings of words. So the bible does too, but the bible always gives us a signal to the change in meaning, except when humans changed the meaning. In this case a rod had changed from a weapon to a shepherd's crook, a flimsy stick used only to guide his sheep. The weapon was then called a staff. The staff was used to kill wild animals, never to strike the sheep. The new meaning is further clarified in: Proverbs 22:15 - "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." This is the meaning that applies to Proverbs 13:24. When it speaks of sparing his rod, it means withholding his guidance. Consider one more verse: Proverbs 10:13 - "In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding." I like to quote that verse to people who claim the bible says to beat kids with a rod. Do they also beat people who are void of understanding? They don't want to talk to me any more after that question.
    • MrX
      I just search, copy and paste. Different versions of the Bible have different variations. I've read the version you wrote in the New American Bible. I copied and pasted from the King James Version.
  • (Proverbs 23:13, 14) "Do not hold back discipline from a boy. If you strike him with the rod, he will not die. 14 With the rod you should strike him, In order to save him from the Grave." Of course, discipline must always be administered with self-control and not in a burst of anger. And it will not be necessary to use physical punishment at all times. In numerous instances, merely a few words of wise counsel are sufficient.
  • The iron rod is the guidance from the word of God. It is also symbolized by the shepherd's crook which guides and directs the sheep and keeps them from going astray. Discipline comes from the word disciple which means to follow Christ. Jesus was the epitome of love and kindness. After you discipline your child you should always show them an increase in love so they'll understand that you discipline because you love them. Never in anger.

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