1950 This Means Everlasting Life - A2Z.org

254 "THIS MEANS EVERLASTING LIFE"
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 Sheol,
mankind's common grave ." Proverbs 23 :13, 14
The rod of correction that is used to turn the
children from the way of death in disobedience to
God does not need to be a literal stick . The rod
symbolizes parental authority and power, and applying
the "rod of correction" means for parents
to exercise the power and authority entrusted to
them in whatever way may seem Scripturally wise
and suitable to correct the child . The parents' grip
on the rod of power, authority and responsibility
should never be relaxed . Respect for it should be
impressed upon the young mind and heart .
11 Such use of the rod for their lasting good does
not spell brutality or oppression, but spells a parental
love combined with wisdom and with godly
strength . In the benefits resulting later the corrected
child will open its eyes to the wisdom and
loving-kindness of its earthly caretakers and will
respect them for the faithful correction. During
correction it has the opportunity to show obedience
and so learn in a most impressional manner
the proper respect for God-given authority . Thus
it will learn to fear God and his supreme authority
also.-Hebrews 12 :9-11 .
12
Merely instructing the child by word of mouth
will not teach and train it to take an active part
i i . What does use of it spell? Under it what does a
child learn?
12 . How do parents give a child training in actively
serving God?