Homeschool World Forum

Well, whatever your definition of "rod", it definitely doesn't represent a reward, therefore it indicates negative reinforcement and not positive reinforcement. We could argue all day over whether the verse means an actual rod or not, but the point is that the Bible does recommend punishment - at least punishment lovingly and systematically administered. I fail to see how it's possible to arrive at any other interpretation.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

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

Proverbs 10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Incidently, the word used is "shebet", which has a fairly clear meaning - rod or staff or tree branch or similar things. Given, this was likely used on older children, not young kids, but the base principle certainly applies.

To play along, let's say that the rod is really an instrument to hit your children with, and that your KJV is not twisted from the original Hebrew:

How many here hit their children with a stick? I do believe CPS would be called on you if you did.

Second, how does that translate into humiliation with an audience and starvation?

Obviously you wouldn't use a stick, what was considered normal back then (because kids were tougher) is considered child abuse now. Hypothetically speaking, a light plastic serving spoon is much better, the mass-to-surface area ratio means it only stings rather than making bruises or cuts, and it breaks if you apply too much force.

As for humiliation and starvation, there's a huge difference between "humiliation" in front of your family and humiliation in front of people outside of your family, and a few hours without food is not even close to starvation.

2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.