The Bible does NOT advocate spanking of children. This is a common misconception.
The 'rod' of the Bible is widely understood to be a symbol that represents God's power and authority. It is not meant as something to fear, but something to respect and even take comfort in. See Psalm 23:4:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
When the Bible refers to the 'rod' in the context of parenting, it means just that, authority.
So what God is trying to tell us here is that if you as a parent exert no authority over your children, they will be wild. Children need that authority so they feel safe, even though they may not like it at times. I think every good parent can agree with that.
The 'rod' of the Bible is widely understood to be a symbol that represents God's power and authority. It is not meant as something to fear, but something to respect and even take comfort in. See Psalm 23:4:
Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23:4&version=NIV
When the Bible refers to the 'rod' in the context of parenting, it means just that, authority.
So what God is trying to tell us here is that if you as a parent exert no authority over your children, they will be wild. Children need that authority so they feel safe, even though they may not like it at times. I think every good parent can agree with that.