Title
The Wisdom Of The Rod
Scripture
Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.
(Proverbs 20:30)
Devotional
Corporal punishment, as unpleasant as it may appear, is godly and it works. We unfortunately live in a society that in its ignorance rejects God's ways. Punishment is a great deterrent to wrong doing. It is not cruel nor should it be unusual. God says that when it is withheld, it is withheld because of a lack of love. "For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."[1] The rod of correction drives away foolishness.[2] Pain is more than often a good thing. It informs us that something is wrong. It tells us what not to touch and reveals injuries and sicknesses. Likewise a rightfully applied rod of correction informs. In addition, it also corrects and heals. The rod is never to be given out of anger or impulse, but out of a heart of love and concern. Used wisely, it will produce a wise child and change the heart of a fool.
[1] Hebrews 12:6
[2] Proverbs 22:15