There is a misconception about how to discipline children in Christian homes. Some Christians have taken this to an extreme and think that physical abuse is an approved form of discipline.

First of all let me clarify something.The well known saying: “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is not a Bible verse. In Proverbs 13:24 something similar is recorded,”Those who spare the rod, hate their children, but the one who loves their child disciplines them diligently.”

So okay it says to use a rod right? Well are we talking a steel rod, a whip, a yardstick for spanking? What exactly does a rod refer to? Is it the same rod which is referred to in Psalms 23? The Psalmist rod is referred to as a comfort. I have a hard time seeing a beating as a comfort.

The rod was actually a Shepherd’s rod. It was used to guide sheep and never to poke or prod. The shepherd would guide the sheep using the length of the shaft according to research I found on the home church network. A wonderful article going into more detail about this can be found at:http://www.hcna.us/columns/childabuse.html
The characteristics of a rod was gentle guidance, not brute abuse. One of the best ways to guide a child in the way they should go is to walk the path yourself. Children are brilliant they notice every move you make. If you want them to walk a certain path make sure your footprints are deep enough that they sink into that path.