Childhood

Think back to a time when you got in trouble for something mischievious that you've done. How did your parents punish you? Some people get whats called a "stern talking to", some get put in "timeout", and others (such as myself) got the good old-fashioned spanking. Whenever I did something to get a spanking I was sure to NEVER do that thing ever again. I remember after getting a spanking running up to my room and hating my parents for doing something like that. Proverbs 22:15 and 23:13-14 say that it was right for our parents to discipline us in these ways.

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Pr. 22:15

"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, be will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death."
Pr. 23:13-14

(Based on these two verses I think we should consider ourselves lucky that our parents use their hands and not the "rod of discipline"!)

It is our parents duties to discipline us for bad behavior. Today your "rod of discipline" might be losing the computer/tv or getting your phone or car taken away for some period of time. Whatever the case may be, the message is still sent that what you did was wrong and if you want to avoid the same situation you will not do it again.

One last thought...
Next time you know you've done wrong and your parents punish you, give them a sincere "thank you". When they seem confused or ask why you would say that just tell them Proverbs 23:13-14!