Proverbs 13:24 Quotes

Context

The Book of Proverbs (a.k.a. the Biblical version of Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey) is not without its share of controversial tidbits, and this is one of them.

Nestled at the end of the 13th proverb, which is full of awesome advice like, "Be wise" and "Be generous" and "Don't be an idiot," this line admonishes parents to administer a little Biblical tough love. 

We should clarify, though, that "rod" here doesn't necessarily mean "tool for spanking" (although many have interpreted and coopted the proverb as such). The original Hebrew word for rod, "shebet," can refer to a tool used for punishment...but it's most frequently used to describe the stick used by shepherds to tend gently to their flocks. 

And what with all the God-as-shepherd references in the Bible, we can pretty safely surmise that this is another reference to wandering sheep and the shepherds who lovingly redirect them onto the right and righteous path (whether that be God to his children, or parents to theirs). (Source)

So to sum up: this proverb is not pro-walloping cute lil' lambs...but it is in favor of time-outs, groundings, and other reasonable penalties for baaaad behavior. 

Where you've heard it

While you might not have heard this line, you've definitely heard its more modern variation, coined by poet Samuel Butler in 1662: "Spare the rod and spoil the child" (see Hudibras, line 844).

It's become something of a political football in the pro-/anti-spanking debate...even though it doesn't actually advocate for corporal punishment. Still, that's how many people have interpreted the proverb—and some still see it as sound parenting advice. Others call it a barbaric relic of a less enlightened age. 

Either way, the actual meaning of the proverb is far less controversial, and far easier to get on the same page about. Except, of course, for the little lambs who got their smartphones confiscated for a week.

Additional Notable References:

• In the 1996 film Matilda, the evil school principal, Ms. Trunchbull, badly misquotes the line while still managing to preserve its corporal essence: "My school is a model of discipline! Use the rod, beat the child, that's my motto."

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

This one could go either way, depending on whether you're on the giving or receiving end of that rod.