The Bible strongly mandates that parents provide firm, corrective discipline and instruction to their children, often using metaphorical language like "the rod" (Proverbs 13:24; 29:15). For centuries, many Christians have interpreted these verses as a direct command to use physical discipline (spanking). However, modern Christian ethics requires balancing these verses with the commands to not provoke children to anger or despair (Ephesians 6:4) and to prioritize teaching and nurture. While many believers find spanking permissible when done rarely, with love, and without anger, many others argue that the biblical "rod" refers to authoritative correction and teaching, finding non-physical methods (like time-outs and logical consequences) to be more effective and less likely to cause emotional harm. The ethical decision rests on applying wisdom, love, and discernment to seek the child's long-term moral development.

Dealing with a wayward child requires a Christian parent to balance unconditional love with firm, age-appropriate discipline. The biblical mandate is to raise children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). When children—especially adult children—choose a path of sin or rebellion, the parent’s role shifts from correction to grief, prayerful surrender, and maintaining a faithful, loving witness (Proverbs 22:6). The model is the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son: waiting, watching, and loving unconditionally.