Almost twenty years ago an east coast adoption agency required its clients to sign a statement promising not to use corporal punishment (spanking, or as they defined it, “the inflicting of pain or discomfort”) to correct the child they would adopt. The statement read in part, “...this agency firmly believes that the use of corporal punishment is neither an acceptable nor a useful tool for teaching or correcting a child of any age. There is significant potential for physical or emotional harm to a child through this practice.”

That last sentence sidesteps the issue and diverts attention away from the legitimate use of corporal punishment. There is "significant potential" that any good thing (including spanking), can be misused to the detriment of others. We certainly do not advocate the abuse of children under the guise of discipline. Nor do we conclude that every use of corporal punishment proves  mistreatment of the child.

The question concerning us here is who decided spanking is "neither acceptable nor a useful tool for teaching or correcting a child of any age"? This provides us with a clear example of the conflict in society between the wisdom of men and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:19-20).

Here are some things God's word says about the proper use of corporal punishment.

1. Is a useful tool for teaching and correcting a child. “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (Prov. 13:24, ESV). God says corporal punishment shows the parent’s love for the child. “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death” (Prov. 19:18, ESV). The real threat to the child comes when he or she is not corrected. The "rod" is a proper instrument of discipline when needed.

2. It does not cause lasting physical harm. “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die” (Prov. 23:13, ESV). “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11, ESV).

3. It does not cause lasting emotional harm.  “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Prov. 22:15). “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Prov. 29:15, ESV).

Parents, grandparents and children must believe God knows best how to correct disobedient children. Spanking is not the only option, but it cannot be Scripturally taken off the table as an appropriate option for corrective discipline. Spanking is not an outlet for the anger of the parent against the child; that is sin. To train a child it must be used wisely, fairly and consistently. When it is, it yields "the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb. 12:11). 

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