Question: In June 2008...you made the statement, "Everyone knows that to spank teenagers would not bring correction but anger and resentment." If [spanking] has no moral or spiritual benefit, why would the Proverbs so avidly promote the use of the rod?

Question: In the June 2008 issue of The Berean Call, you make the statement, "Everyone knows that to spank teenagers would not bring correction but anger and resentment. Is that because teenagers can stand the pain? No, it is because physical pain has no moral or spiritual benefit." If it has no moral or spiritual benefit, why would the Proverbs so avidly promote the use of the rod?

Response: We read, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes....Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him....Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die" (Proverbs:13:24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
See All...; Proverbs:22:15Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
See All...; Proverbs:23:13-14 [13] Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. [14] Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
See All...).

It seems clear that Solomon is referring to young children, who can certainly benefit from physical discipline, if it is administered in love and moderation.