Scripture Speaks

While not all of the verses listed below talk explicitly about the rod or physical discipline, they seemingly paint a clear picture when coupled with those that do. 

• Psalm 141:5: Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it….

• Proverbs 3:12: for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

• Proverbs 10:13: On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

• Proverbs 13:24: Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.  (See John Rosemond's discussion about "the rod" and "a rod" at Parenting by the Book Proverbs 13:14 as he argues against spankings.)

• Proverbs 19:18: Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

• Proverbs 20:30: Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.

• Proverbs 22:15: Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

• Proverbs 23:13-14: Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.  If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. 

• Proverbs 29:15: The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

• Hebrews 12:5-11: And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Part 1 Intro

Part 3 Modern Minds Speak

Part 4 Depravity Reeks