Should believers spank their children?

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.