Should Parents Physically Discipline Their Children?
Jamie Dukes
Dr. Early
English 104
April 13, 2009
Should Parents Physically Discipline Their Children?
Should parents physically discipline their child for doing something wrong? I say yes! I think physically discipline one’s child will correct behavior problems, improve grades, and help them to become well mannered; but I am going to let the Bible’s point of view answer this question. The history of the Bible says, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive if far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). The Hebrew word for “foolishness” does not speak of “playful mischief.” It speaks of “an inability to discern what is good.” Children (with their limited knowledge and experience) are not able to discern what is best for them. For example, a two year old may want ice cream for breakfast, because he has no understanding of balanced nutrition. Small children need to be told what to do, and not asked if they want to do it. And then, as they increase in years an experience, gradually, they should be allowed to make more and more decisions on their own. (DeVitio 69.4)
According to my research I found at least six Bible verses that included discipline, but to name a few. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (Proverbs 13:24) Withhold no correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall die. (Proverbs 22:13) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. (Proverbs 23:14) and the last Bible verse I could find had the same qualities of disciplining a child; the rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child to himself bringeth his mother to shame. (Proverbs 29:15) It can be argued that most conservative Protestants believe that the Bible is completely accurate and inerrant-free. The passages in Proverbs probably accurately and precisely portray Solomon’s parenting style (Was a man in the Bible). As an adult, Solomon’s son Rehoboam, was
Dr. Early
English 104
April 13, 2009
Should Parents Physically Discipline Their Children?
Should parents physically discipline their child for doing something wrong? I say yes! I think physically discipline one’s child will correct behavior problems, improve grades, and help them to become well mannered; but I am going to let the Bible’s point of view answer this question. The history of the Bible says, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive if far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). The Hebrew word for “foolishness” does not speak of “playful mischief.” It speaks of “an inability to discern what is good.” Children (with their limited knowledge and experience) are not able to discern what is best for them. For example, a two year old may want ice cream for breakfast, because he has no understanding of balanced nutrition. Small children need to be told what to do, and not asked if they want to do it. And then, as they increase in years an experience, gradually, they should be allowed to make more and more decisions on their own. (DeVitio 69.4)
According to my research I found at least six Bible verses that included discipline, but to name a few. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (Proverbs 13:24) Withhold no correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall die. (Proverbs 22:13) Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. (Proverbs 23:14) and the last Bible verse I could find had the same qualities of disciplining a child; the rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child to himself bringeth his mother to shame. (Proverbs 29:15) It can be argued that most conservative Protestants believe that the Bible is completely accurate and inerrant-free. The passages in Proverbs probably accurately and precisely portray Solomon’s parenting style (Was a man in the Bible). As an adult, Solomon’s son Rehoboam, was
Cited: Di Vito, Robert A. “Biblical Theology: Issues, Methods, and Themes. (Book Review). Theological Studies 69.4 (Dec 2008): 922(2) Mar. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS> Felder, Sentoria. Personal Interview. 6 Mar. 2009. Jones, Richard. Personal Interview. 12 Mar. 2009 Neifert, Marianne OneFile.Gale. Morris College. 6 Mar. 2009.