Download Article
Is this popular parenting phrase actually biblical?
Download Article
“Spare the rod, spoil the child” is one of the oldest adages still in use today. It basically means that children need discipline and guidance to grow up and mature in a healthy way. However, a lot of people mistakenly believe it’s a justification for physical punishment. Here, we’ll break down what this euphemism actually means, where it comes from, and what the Bible has to say on the subject.
Things You Should Know
- “Spare the rod, spoil the child” means that children will grow up to be maladjusted if you don’t discipline them when they’re young.
- The “rod” in question is not actually a tool to physically hit a child, but a shepherd’s crook used to guide and lead.
- The quote comes from an 18th century poem, although there’s a similar passage in the book of Proverbs.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1998/08/07/biblical-rod-meant-to-guide-not-punish/
- ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1998/08/07/biblical-rod-meant-to-guide-not-punish/
- ↑ https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-spare-the-rod-spoil-the-child-mean.html
- ↑ https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-03-13-0503120312-story.html
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/discipline-and-children
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Disciplining-Your-Child.aspx
- ↑ https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/punishment/10-positive-punishment-techniques-their-effect/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pediatricians-say-dont-spank-your-kids-heres-why-what-to-do-instead/
- ↑ https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/21/04/effect-spanking-brain
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,576 times.
Advertisement