Many people will tell you that Proverbs 22:6 is a great verse when it comes to parenting children. Sure, train a child now and hold your breath later. I believe the truth of this verse, but I think Solomon upped the wisdom 2 chapters earlier when he wrote Proverbs 20:30.
The Contemporary English version puts a bit more stank on it; "A severe beating will knock all the evil out of you." I like that so much that I had it put on a stick that I carry around with me. I use it with my children (the Bible verse, not the stick). I even use it with the teens I work with (the stick, not the Bible verse).
I know some 'experts' will tell you that a gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). And sure, Teddy Roosevelt said to walk softly and carry a big stick. Then again, Tony Stark (Iron Man) said that the best weapon is the one you only have to fire once.
My daughter's second grade teacher, when getting the attention of her class, would softly say, 'If you can hear my voice, clap once.' That seemed to work. But others I know don't believe you can be heard unless you're louder than those you're attempting to communicate with. Personally, I kind of think the stick speaks for itself.
I've heard plenty a youth pastor exclaim that you have to make an example out of one of them. That's why, several years ago, I shaved 3 of the teens at a youth meeting. Now when I threaten to shave somebody bald, they know it has been done.
I guess the bottom line for me is that there's no better segue to speaking about suffering for Jesus than preceding your lesson with a good old-fashioned beat down.
So what do you think? Is it Proverbs 22:6 or Proverbs 20:30?
The Contemporary English version puts a bit more stank on it; "A severe beating will knock all the evil out of you." I like that so much that I had it put on a stick that I carry around with me. I use it with my children (the Bible verse, not the stick). I even use it with the teens I work with (the stick, not the Bible verse).
I know some 'experts' will tell you that a gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). And sure, Teddy Roosevelt said to walk softly and carry a big stick. Then again, Tony Stark (Iron Man) said that the best weapon is the one you only have to fire once.
My daughter's second grade teacher, when getting the attention of her class, would softly say, 'If you can hear my voice, clap once.' That seemed to work. But others I know don't believe you can be heard unless you're louder than those you're attempting to communicate with. Personally, I kind of think the stick speaks for itself.
I've heard plenty a youth pastor exclaim that you have to make an example out of one of them. That's why, several years ago, I shaved 3 of the teens at a youth meeting. Now when I threaten to shave somebody bald, they know it has been done.
I guess the bottom line for me is that there's no better segue to speaking about suffering for Jesus than preceding your lesson with a good old-fashioned beat down.
So what do you think? Is it Proverbs 22:6 or Proverbs 20:30?
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