Corporal punishment – is it proper?

Editor: Corporal punishment is defined by one dictionary as “physical punishment, such as caning or flogging.” Merriam Webster Dictionary defines corporal punishment as “punishment that involves hitting someone.” Corporal punishment has been a subject of much controversy in society, as to whether or not it is right. Of course, Almighty God is in the BEST position to answer this question.{{more}} Proverbs 23:13, 14 states in part in the King James Version: “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…” (See also Proverbs 22:15) The answer is quite clear. God’s Word, the Bible, supports corporal punishment as a form of disciplining/correcting a child. Of course, if a parent or guardian beats a child to the point of injuring the child, such as leaving marks, cuts, bruises, and swelling etc, that will be abuse. But proper beating, with no physical injury, is alright according to God, our Maker, who knows far better than we do. Psalm 95: 6; Revelation 4: 11. When parents train their children in the right way as the Scriptures encourage at Proverbs 1: 8 etc, it lessens the need for corporal punishment at home or elsewhere. However, when children are not properly trained, unfortunately, they may have to be disciplined by corporal punishment. Sad to say, some parents behave worse than their children. What a shame that is! Parents and guardians should set the example in displaying good behaviour and training children according to God’s Word. Then, they can rejoice when their children conduct themselves well, making them proud. Proverbs 23: 24, 25.

Brianna Patterson