There simply was not enough time to cover everything that I would’ve liked in this message. This post tries to capture some of the other thoughts or references that I wanted to share.
What Else Does God’s Word Say…
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Proverbs 3:11-12 - My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 6:23 - For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.
Proverbs 10:1 - A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
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 12:1 - Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 13:24 - Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Proverbs 14:29 - Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
Proverbs 15:5 - A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 15:10 - There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.
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 - Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
Proverbs 29:1 - He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
Proverbs 29:15 - The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
Proverbs 29:17 - Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
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Think (Psalm 139:23)
Remember (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Know (Jeremiah 24:7)
Store Things (Psalm 119:11)
See (Ephesians 1:18)
Say (many)
Meditate (Psalm 19:14)
Pray (1 Samuel 2:1)
Faint (Job 23:16)
Hate (Leviticus 19:17)
Envy (Proverbs 23:17)
Give (Deuteronomy 15:10)
Receive (Ezekiel 3:10)
Turn away/to (1 Kings 11:2)
Rejoice (Psalm 13:5)
Sing (Colossians 3:16)
Love God (Deuteronomy 6)
Become Proud (Ezekiel 28:2)
Walk Faithfully (1 Kings 2:4)
Deceive (Jeremiah 17:9)
Be Upright (many)
Become Hard (Ephesians 4)
Set Up Idols (Ezekiel 14)
Repent (Joel 2)
Seek God (Psalm 27)
Believe (Romans 10:9)
Honor Christ (1 Peter 3:15)
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Sadness (Nehemiah 2:2)
Joy (Isaiah 65:14)
Secrets (Psalm 44:21)
Plans (Proverbs 16:1)
Stubbornness (Jeremiah 9:14)
Anguish (Isaiah 65:14)
Desires (Psalm 37:4)
Evil Thoughts (Matthew 15:19)
Lusts (Romans 1:24)
Motives (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Intentions (Hebrews 4:12)
Reasoning (Luke 9:47)
Doubts (Luke 24:38)
Jealousy (James 3:14)
Peace (Colossians 3:15)
A Brief Discussion on Spanking
In 2022 in the US, the idea of spanking is very controversial, but then again so is the concept of believing in two genders. Google will happily provide you with links to articles from Christianity Today (hardly a bastion for Biblical truth anymore) denouncing it or some psychological study (likely from an organization that doesn’t believe in God) decrying the emotional damage that spanking a child causes. But consider the source. I think most of us want to follow God’s wisdom when it comes to living our lives, but especially in raising our kids.
In my research, I have found these two articles to be particularly helpful in analyzing spanking from a Biblical standpoint and even in articulating how to properly execute it.
Focus on the Family article (2018; 6pgs) - I have my own reservations about the current direction of the Focus on the Family organization in a number of issues, but this 2018 article from this specific author (Dr. Danny Huerta) provides an excellent overview of the question of “Is Spanking Biblical?” and 5 principles for doing it correctly.
Desiring God Interview with Dr. Tedd Tripp (2014; 7min) - Tony Reinke, the host of the “Ask Pastor John” [Piper] podcast, interviews Dr. Tripp on why many Christians parents don’t spank their children. Again, I personally have some more recent concerns with the direction of John Piper’s ministry, but this interview is Biblically solid.
Other Helpful Resources
Shepherding a Child’s Heart - Dr. Tedd Tripp - The whole book is great, and it includes a specific training on “when”, “how”, and “why” of spanking and some frequently asked questions on it.
Have a New Kid By Friday - Dr. Kevin Leman
Family Life (one example podcast with Steve Ferrar) - Dennis Rainey, Bob Lepine
James Dobson Family Institute (discipline articles) - Dr. James Dobson