Prominent Christian psychologist Richard D. Dobbins speaks wisely and well about launching children on the road of life. He advocates careful consideration of God's Word and says good discipline is fair, firm, and friendly.
While some other modern child psychologists debate the merits of spankings, God's Word has some clear things to say. He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly (Proverbs 13:24). Then, even stronger: Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell
(Proverbs 23:13-14). This beating is not child abuse, of course.
The Bible says: The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother (Proverbs 29:15). Then, too, it is noted: Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul (Proverbs 29:17). But discipline must start early. The parent who does not begin disciplining until the child is in the teens cannot do at sixteen what he should have done at three. The conscientious Christian couple can learn, as Dobbins so wisely says, to exercise discipline which is fair, firm, and friendly.
“Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.”
Proverbs 1:23 KJV
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