Punishing Children
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The topic of punishing children is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, providing guidance on discipline and correction within a family setting. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of discipline as a means of guiding children towards righteousness and wisdom.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the necessity of discipline in child-rearing, often equating it with love and care. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This verse suggests that discipline is an expression of love, intended to steer children away from harmful behaviors and towards a path of wisdom.

Similarly, Proverbs 22:15 notes, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." This passage highlights the inherent folly present in children and the role of discipline in correcting it.

Purpose of Discipline

The primary purpose of disciplining children, as outlined in the Bible, is to foster moral and spiritual development. Hebrews 12:11 explains, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This verse indicates that while discipline may be unpleasant, it ultimately produces positive outcomes in the form of righteousness and peace.

Furthermore, Proverbs 29:15 states, "A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces his mother." This suggests that discipline is crucial for imparting wisdom and preventing disgraceful behavior.

Parental Responsibility

The Bible places the responsibility of disciplining children squarely on the shoulders of parents. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse encourages parents to discipline their children in a manner that is nurturing and aligned with the teachings of the Lord, avoiding actions that might lead to resentment or anger.

Additionally, Proverbs 19:18 warns, "Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." This passage underscores the urgency and importance of discipline, suggesting that neglecting it could lead to dire consequences.

Balance in Discipline

While the Bible advocates for discipline, it also calls for a balanced approach. Colossians 3:21 cautions, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged." This verse highlights the need for discipline to be administered in a way that does not lead to discouragement or resentment, but rather encourages growth and development.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on punishing children emphasizes discipline as a necessary and loving act aimed at guiding children towards wisdom and righteousness. Parents are encouraged to discipline their children in a manner that reflects the teachings of the Lord, ensuring that it is both corrective and nurturing.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 23:13-14
Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.
Topicalbible.org

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

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Sermon on the Mount.
... the eternal punishment with which God himself threatens the sinner, because the
paternal feeling in man would prevent him from so punishing his own children. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 8.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... i.57), as well as punishing their possessors (Josephus, Ant ... of Christ also, there
were little parchment rolls specially for the use of children, containing such ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Sins of Parents visited
... is not only just but merciful, in visiting the sins of the fathers on the children. ...
Then is not God merciful to the world in punishing them, even in destroying ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvi sins of parents.htm

On Justice and Goodness.
... to their own definition, that the Creator is just in punishing according to ... not even
just, inasmuch as He exterminated innocent and sucking children along with ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on justice and goodness.htm

The Wages of Sin (Chapel Royal June, 1864)
... you will continue to be punished for ever, for you will be punishing yourself for ...
not merely to himself, but to others"to his family and children above all. ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon iv the wages of.htm

A Clean Tongue.
... Those who have charge of the education of our children might help, by constantly
speaking against bad language, and by punishing those who continue to offend. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xix a clean tongue.htm

The Justice of God
... (2.) God is just in punishing the wicked, because he never punished them but upon
full proof and evidence. ... God's own children have their blemishes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm

Whether those Souls which Depart with Original Sin Alone, Suffer ...
... Reply to Objection 5: The bodies of children will be impassible, not through their ...
of nature, but there will only be action to the effect of punishing them by ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those souls which depart.htm

The Life of Adam
... bring forth children in sorrow; in the pain of sorrow standeth the curse, but in
bringing forth of children is a blessing. And so, in punishing, God forgat not ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... The Lord "doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." That is,
as we ... Especially in the punishing of men, he useth not to afflict men for his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

Resources
What is penitence? What does the Bible say about penitence? | GotQuestions.org

Why do babies die? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses? | GotQuestions.org

Punishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Punishing

Punishing Children

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Quietly (30 Occurrences)

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Judicial (2 Occurrences)

Everlasting (192 Occurrences)

Blows (105 Occurrences)

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Undergo (91 Occurrences)

Rewarded (37 Occurrences)

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Acting (102 Occurrences)

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Deserve (40 Occurrences)

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Evil-doers (122 Occurrences)

Darkness (177 Occurrences)

Disasters (5 Occurrences)

Decease (2 Occurrences)

Death-blow (6 Occurrences)

Deserves (25 Occurrences)

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Punishing
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