Many parents today, even christian parents, think that spanking is cruel and unusual punishment. Most likely because they had bad experiences with spankings as a child (probably due to inconsistent, angry discipline of the part of their parents), the media and child pysichiatrists tell us it "damages the child's self-esteem", or the parent "loves their child too much to spank them." But the bible says, "He who spares the rod HATES his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 13:24.
-Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. Proverbs 19:18
-Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. Proverbs 22:15
-Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save him soul from death. Proverbs 23:13-14.
-The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. Proverbs 29:15 (how many kids do you know who are "left to himself" in the name of being a "free spirit")!
-Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Proverbs 29:17.
I understand why people came from miles around to hear the wisdom of Solomon! God is our parent, and we are the parents of these little souls that He entrusts to us. Therefore, we need to parent our children as God "parents" us. When we have an attitude/behavior or sin that God wants to work out in us, He doesn't give us a hug and a cookie and hope that we'll grow out of it, He trains and disciplines so we can be free of those behaviors, and often times this can be difficult and painful. "The Lord disciplines those He loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons." Hebrews 12:6-8.
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