​​​Spanking Children.  Biblical or Abuse?

The world in which we live is a world of mis-conceptions and deception. They suggest vehemently that there is never a good reason for spanking your child. The Bible enforces sound reason to the contrary.

Unfortunately, many Christian parents are ignorant concerning biblical instruction for child rearing. They absorb their instructions from the world.

It is important to understand that God never allows for child abuse in the Bible.   Any act of child abuse must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Love should always be the primary motive in the act of discipline with any child. Proverbs 3:12 - For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Always, when God corrects (spanks) those He loves; it is proof, not that He hates us, but that He loves us. The Word Of God demonstrates that you show hatred toward your children by not correcting them.


Proverbs 13:24  "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."

Proverbs 19:18  Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

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The Bible Embraces Spanking Children.  Why?

The Bible teaches that children are naturally selfish and are in need of constant accountability to the laws of God. As always, the wisdom of God prevails in this regard. In due process, the child grows to understand that decisions and actions result in consequences.

It should be noted that infants DO NOT need to be spanked. Their ability to reason is obviously lacking. They cannot discern the connection between their action and the consequences. Spanking an infant or a baby is abuse. While they uncontrollably display their selfishness, it is a matter of adjusting their environment or posture for gentle correction.

Finally, each child is different, thus, there are times when a spanking is not a viable option. Use good judgment in disciplining your children. What is effective with one child, may not be so with another. If your child's act of disobedience is persistent and demonstrates disregard and disrespect for authority and the well being of others, it then becomes your responsibility to judge what form of punishment is necessary. This behavior must be confronted immediately and consistently with a measured force of physical punishment. Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Biblical discipline helps in developing a child to a readiness for salvation. Some children will never get saved because they were never disciplined in a biblical manner.  The Bible teaches that we are not to just raise good children, but godly children. There is no possible way this can be achieved apart from discipline and correction from a biblical perspective.

  • When is a child old enough to be spanked?​

A good rule to determine when a child should begin receiving spankings is when they are able to walk. A child who begins to walk... more often than not, they are walking into trouble. They do not have the skill of discernment. Thus, discipline is necessary. It is important that a spanking is measured accordingly and then applied immediately and consistently. This will enable the young mind to learn to associate between right and wrong with consequences.

Dr. Arthur Belanger

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