August 29, 1997 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - A study published in the August issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine claims that spanking children provokes misbehavior. The study claims that spanking is "counterproductive," "increases aggressiveness," "boomerangs, makes things worse."

Murray A. Straus, the lead author of the study, claims that spanking is harmful even when done by "warm and loving parents." In an interview with the Associated Press, Straus said: "`Many people, probably most people, believe that if spanking is done by warm and loving parents, it has no harmful side effects, because kids know it’s for their own good. That turns out not to be true." Straus concludes that "society as a whole, and not just children, could benefit from ending the system of violent childrearing that goes under the euphemism of spanking."

There are many points which could be made about the mechanics of this study, but that is not our goal here. The bottom line is that the authors of this study are dead wrong in their conclusions, and any nation which follows their suggestions will reap a whirlwind. Anything can be abused, of course, and, certainly, spanking or beating a child, if not done properly and scripturally, can be child abuse. To admit that spanking can be abused is not to say that it is wrong, though. Spanking is absolutely what God’s Word requires parents to do in disciplining rebellion in children. The following Bible verses contain more wisdom than all of the writings of this world’s psychologists and behavioral researchers combined—

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

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

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him" (Proverbs 22:15).

"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell" (Proverbs 23:13,14).

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame" (Proverbs 29:15).

"Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul" (Proverbs 29:17).