Michelle asks, “Should I spank my kids or not?” Well, I have an answer. It’s found in the Bible: Proverbs 13:24, which says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (NIV). Oooo, Greg believes in spanking kids. That’s not really what I said—I quoted Scripture, and I believe Solomon said it. Later he says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15 ESV). Spanking works for some kids. It doesn’t work for others. Mom and Dad, while Scripture is clear, customize your discipline to fit the crime AND our kids. And NEVER spank when you’re angry. They’ll love you for it later.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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 12:24,, Proverbs 29:15