Corporal punishment. In a culture where spanking is frowned upon and parents are encouraged to be more of a best friend than a disciplinarian, it’s no wonder that some parents today feel guilty about a swat on the fanny. What does the Bible say about it? “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15 ESV). I’m not suggesting you use a rod. What I am suggesting is that we as parents not ignore Bible passages that encourage loving discipline to help point our kids to Christ. Even Proverbs 22:6 reminds us that if we raise up our kids in the way of the Lord, when they’re older they won’t depart from it.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 29:15