Spare not the Rod
TEXT: Proverbs 23:13–25
“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die” (Proverbs 23:13).
The new trend now in parenting in some parts of the advanced world is to rule out corporal punishment for children. The plausible explanation is that it is barbaric and wicked. Children need to be loved. It presupposes that even the kindergarten knows and understands what an adult knows, and a parental frown is a sign of wickedness and lack of affection. It further presupposes that the judgment of the young ones is as sharp as that of an adult. So, why beat the child for whatever reason?
The result of the past few decades of childhood indulgence is all too evident now. Children now grow up to become rebels, outlaws, vagabonds, drug addicts, sex maniacs, gun runners, murderers, street fighters, etc. The countries that embark on the crusade against ‘child abuse’ have already started reaping the seeds of indulgence they sowed several years ago. Their adolescents and young adult now strap trousers below the buttocks, turn their fez caps backwards, cultivate long, unkempt hair and make obnoxious tattoos on their bodies. There are dangers awaiting the world in the hands of political and business leaders from a growing number of poorly trained youths-fast-becoming-adults are better imagined.
Our passage here underscores the need for a parent to instruct his child to give his mind to the Scriptures, to correct his child. Accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. In view of the potential risks, a parent must, therefore, encourage his child, telling him what would be for his good. And what a comfort it would be, if herein he answered his expectation.
How do you handle your child now? Do you ignore his failings, hoping that things will naturally correct themselves? Or, do you take steps to bend his will now that he can still be shown the right way? The choice is yours to make.
Train your child now on the way he should go.