To spank or not to spank, that is the question. Believe it or not, discussions around use of corporal punishment are a hot topic among educators, mental health workers, and anyone connected with child advocacy. On the one end of the spectrum or those decrying any form of spanking as child abuse, with some even going so far as to make spanking illegal. Others believe that not only should spanking be used, but that those against it are part of what is wrong with the world today. As a result, these verses in Proverbs 23 are regularly used to defend corporal punishment, and usually done inaccurately.
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.”
Proverbs 23:13-14 (ESV)
As a seminary student, one of the sayings I heard that stuck with me was, “A text without context is a pretext for a prooftext.” As with anywhere in Scripture, if we take only part of a verse to use as our entire argument, we are likely as not to wander astray. I believe this verse is no different. The beginning of this verse starts more generally with discipline, followed by more specific statements about the common discipline of the day. So, perhaps we would be wise to start where we can clearly agree.
Regardless of our view of spanking, we must heed the instruction to discipline our children.
I find it interesting that the verses surrounding discussion of discipline are about instruction and wisdom.
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.”
“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.”
Proverbs 23:12, 15 (ESV)
In short, if you want to be wise as a parent, if you want to instruct your children well so that they grow up to be wise, then you will discipline your kids (with spanking or without)
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