Proverbs 23:13-14 (KJV) [13] “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die [14] Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.”
In today’s teaching, we shall be focusing on training children in righteousness and preventing moral destruction. As parents, we are responsible for guiding ourr children through loving correction, instruction, and even firm discipline when necessary. This is with the intention of forming godly character in them and to prevent their lives from ruin. Do you love your children? Proverbs 13:24 says, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Do you want to have rest and peace of mind in your old age? Then, Proverbs 29:17 says, “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.”
Now, our Scriptural text says, “Withhold not correction from the child: For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die” (Prov. 23:13). The “rod” symbolizes firm correction, not physical abuse. The Scripture is saying: Don’t fear that reasonable discipline will destroy the child; it will, in fact, save him. Again, the Scripture says, “Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” Here, “hell” refers to destruction or ruin, both moral and eternal. Proper discipline, early in life, can turn a child away from sin and the path that leads to death or destruction. It’s not about punishment for punishment’s sake; it’s preventive correction, aiming to save the child’s soul from the consequences of wrongdoing. The LORD our God disciplines His own children the same way: “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Prov. 3:12). A child without correction grows into an adult without restraint.
Written by: Pastor Andrew A Esemudje