Proverbs 13:24 — “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”
Many hear the words “spare the rod, spoil the child” and imagine harshness. But the Bible was not written from the perspective of cruelty—it was written from the fields of shepherds.
God often compares us to sheep and parents to shepherds. And a shepherd’s rod was never meant to destroy the sheep, but to protect, guide, and correct them.
1. Children Are Like Sheep—Precious but Prone to Wander
Sheep are innocent, valuable, and helpless on their own.
But they also wander easily.
Just like sheep:
Children don’t always know danger when they see it
They are easily influenced
They can stray without realizing the consequences
A shepherd who lets sheep wander without correction is not loving—he is negligent.
Likewise, a parent who refuses to guide, correct, and discipline a child leaves them vulnerable to the wolves of the world.
2. The Rod Was a Tool of Love, Not Abuse
In biblical times, a shepherd’s rod was used to:
Gently pull a sheep back from danger
Count and inspect the sheep
Defend them from predators
Notice Psalm 23:
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Not frighten me.
Not abuse me.
Comfort me.
Why?
Because the sheep knew the rod meant:
“I am watched over.”
“I am protected.”
“I belong to someone who cares.”
Discipline without love is abuse.
But love without discipline is neglect.
3. Correction Is Proof of Love
Proverbs does not say: “He who spares the rod dislikes his child.”
It says:
“He who spares the rod hates his son.”
Why such strong language?
Because refusing to correct a child is allowing them to walk toward destruction unchecked.
God corrects those He loves:
“For whom the Lord loves He chastens.” (Hebrews 12:6)
If God disciplines His children, how can parents refuse to do the same?
4. The Goal Is Guidance, Not Punishment
A shepherd never strikes a sheep out of anger.
He corrects with purpose.
Biblical discipline is:
Calm, not explosive
Consistent, not emotional
Instructional, not humiliating
The rod is not about pain—it’s about direction.
Correction should always point a child back to:
Truth
Safety
Righteousness
Just as the Good Shepherd leads us back when we stray.
5. Jesus: The Perfect Shepherd and Example
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
He corrects us:
With truth
With conviction
With love
He doesn’t abandon us when we fail.
He doesn’t crush us when we fall.
He restores us.
Parents are called to reflect that same heart.
To “spare the rod” is not kindness—it is silence when guidance is needed.
To “use the rod” is not cruelty—it is love that refuses to let a child be lost.
May we be shepherds who:
Love deeply
Correct wisely
Guide patiently
So that our children grow not wild and wounded—but safe, disciplined, and secure in the care of the Shepherd.
Know Your Bible 