THE ROD OF CORRECTION

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15 NKJV).

There is a trend in the western world that is gradually gaining ground in the developing world: children should not be disciplined because they have their own different world and right. This trend has made many children to go astray and our society is becoming worse and worse every day. The pro child right people will readily support this trend, and they are ready to do anything to promote it. They see anyone who disciplines a child as anti-child, and they can even sue such person for child abuse. Some children in the developed world have threatened to sue their parents for child abuse if the parents try to discipline them. There are some cases where children have even sued their parents for child abuse because of parental discipline!

It is unfortunate that the trend has crept into the African society where there used to be good parental discipline before. In Africa, it is believed that the discipline of a child is not only the responsibility of the parents, but that of the whole society. So when people like this writer were growing up, they were disciplined by anybody in the society when there was a cause of it. Gone are the days when such happened even here in Africa!

The Bible is in support of disciplining of a child. Consider these biblical injunctions:
“He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV).

“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18 NIV).

“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 his soul from death” (Proverbs 23:13-14 NIV).

“The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.... Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:15-17 NIV).

These do not mean, however, that the discipline or correction of the child should be more than the offence committed by the child. Neither do they mean that the discipline or correction should be destructive. The “rod” may not necessarily be a physical one. It could be in any way that will instil sense in the disciplined child. The discipline or correction should be done out of love to mould the life of the child in the right way. Likewise, the parent or elderly person that will apply the discipline or correction should be exemplary in his/her character. 

Do you discipline your children, or are you of the opinion that children should not be disciplined? Discipline your children, and you will never regret it.

If you are still a child or youth, be ready to accept the discipline of your parents and/or elderly ones. It is for your good.

In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).