“Punish them with the rod and save them from death.”
This verse makes a lot of parents nervous today. There is such a strong reaction publicly to the idea of spanking your child. The essence of this verse is the difference between disciplined and undisciplined children and how they do in life and most importantly into eternity. Appropriate discipline based on the individual child’s temperament and personality doesn’t guarantee an outcome but as Solomon tells us it certainly has an impact. Discipline is painful to give and receive. That is why many parents tend to avoid it. The death referred to here can certainly be a physical death. Not learning the lessons and not developing the self restraint of a disciplined life can open one up to a variety of dangerous outcomes. Even more importantly Solomon also refers to spiritual death. When we live unrestrained lives of rebellion to God’s law eternal separation and death can await. Today discipline those you love and receive the discipline of the Lord. #BeTheEdge
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV