The above comic comes from Brian the Angry Art Teacher.  It is a humorous expression of a common lack of understanding.  Probably one of the most misunderstood and misquoted Scriptures is “Spare the rod, spoil the child.”  The correct quote comes from Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.“  Another Proverb states, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.”

Question is, what is the rod?  This article is an interesting and thought-provoking summary of the rod as an idea of instruction and loving discipline, rather than a big stick.  Hmmmm.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this idea, and it makes a lot of sense to me in light of other Scripture.  Listen to this favorite verse from Psalm 23 in light of the above:  I will fear no evil, for you are with me.  Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

These verses both use the same word for rod, shebet, but because of our cultural conditioning, we think of them very differently.  We love being comforted by the words of Psalm 23, and then we somehow move on to Proverbs and think we are supposed to use utmost strictness when dealing with our children, so that we do not dare “spoil the child”, which we’ve already shown is extra-Biblical. 

Let’s look at the Proverbs verse in light of the Psalm scripture.  He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.  This is the same rod that brings comfort in Psalm 23.  “Sparing the rod” means to not be a loving, involved, comforting parent who gives the discipline and correction our children so desperately and constantly need.  To be a passive parent is to despise your child.  To choose to discipline them without physical force is not.  Biblical discipline and wise input is alwayscomforting.  This can be one of the hardest things for me to remember and put into practice with my children, especially when I am tired and they are being foolish. However, if we want to reflect the gospel of Jesus to our children and our world, we must get this right.  We must remember to give loving comfort to our children as we correct their foolishness and instruct them in wisdom.  After all, this is how God deals with us.  Thank his goodness and mercy!