Proverbs 22:15

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about discipline:

Proverbs 22:15 (ESV)

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

The aspect of corporal punishment probably gets its brith from this verse.   And, rightly it should.   Whether we take it literally or figuratively we should understand that discipline is an important aspect of the believers life.  The "rod" is just a tool.  It can, in the hand of the shepherd, be a comfort and a guiding touch (Psalm 23).  

Psalms 23:4 (ESV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

However, in the hand of the Judge, it can be the rod of discipline and wrath:

Psalms 2:9 (ESV)

You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

In the hand of a gracious and loving father the rod of discipline can be a blessing to a child.  However, in the hand of a wicked father a child should never be subject to that rod.   The rod is the tool, the heart that wields it should be first and foremost considered.   Loving and gracious discipline is important in the discipline and growth of the child.  It is not the rod that we should object to.  It is the poor and wicked heart that might use it that should be shunned.  Gracious and loving discipline drives out sin, which is what God wants us to do.  We are not to use the rod of discipline to drive out sin while being in the sin of anger and lack of grace, at the same time.