| Remarks on Righteousness In the News |
| January 24, 2007 The State of California is considering making spanking illegal. The governor favors the legislation. This is not the first time that spanking has come under legislative attack. But, the question is not "What do legislators and governors think of spanking?"; the question is "What does God think of spanking?" "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." ~ Proverbs 13:24 "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." ~ Proverbs 19:18 "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." ~ Proverbs 22:15 "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." ~ Proverbs 23:13,14 "The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left himself bringeth his mother to shame." ~ Proverbs 29:15 "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul." ~ Proverbs 29:17 There are those who will say the "rod" referred to is not spanking. Shall I say it is a reference to me? My name is Rod. If "rod" does not mean an instrument of spanking, it might as well be my name. Why do they not think it an instrument of spanking? Because they do not believe in spanking. It reminds me of the story of the man who asked an old preacher (N.B. Hardeman) what the water was in John 3. Brother Hardeman replied, "Buttermilk." "Buttermilk?" was the startled response. "Yes, buttermilk. Because if water does not mean water, it can mean anything that I want it to mean, and I like buttermilk." Therefore, to quote Benjamin Franklin in Poor Richard's Almanac: "Spare the rod, and spoil the child." That is the sentiment of scripture. That is what God thinks of spanking. "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32) NKJV |
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