Wait, the Bible says "Spoil the child" ?!

[KurtNYC]

Maybe everyone is reading it wrong. Maybe it is not a warning but 2 more commandments:

- Spare the rod!
- Spoil the child!

( My niece likes this idea.)

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Why, yes it does.

A fine example of cherry-picking verse from the Bible to support one's argument.

[meow2u3]

2. The real meaning of "spare the rod, spoil the child"

No, the Bible does not advocate child abuse, contrary to the beliefs of many fundies. The "rod" refers to a shepherd's rod used to keep the sheep in the herd by nudging those who stray. This "rod" is to be interpreted as teaching the kid how to behave properly by the time they're adults, using the right balance of positive reinforcement for desired behavior and correction of improper conduct.

Even in Biblical times, some kids were too stubborn, rebellious, and incorrigible to be disciplined despite the best efforts of their parents. Trouble is, ancient Israel called for the death penalty for such out-of-control, conduct-disorded kids, especially boys. The frustrated dad, who was primarily responsible for administering correction, had to plead his case of incorrigibility to the big shots so he wouldn't be held liable for spoiling his kid. They didn't have residential treatment centers, reform schools/juvenile detention facilities, or prisons to keep those kids from harming others.

A modern, 21st century analogy to the Biblical "rod of correction" would consist of people with pet dogs. They provide their canines from the time they're puppies a collar and leash, sound traning, and/or a fenced yard dog owners use to keep their dogs well-disciplined and to prevent straying. One can say, "Spare the leash and spoil the dog."

[Deep13]

3. I think that is a revisionist reading.

Child abuse was accepted and common during the iron age.