Is Proverbs really against gentle parenting? Today I’m diving into some of the most quoted “rod” verses—Proverbs 22:15, 23:14, and 26:3—and uncovering the Hebrew meaning and cultural context behind them. For years, these scriptures were used in my home to justify spanking, but as I’ve studied Hebrew and lived in Israel, I’ve discovered a very different picture.

In this episode, I’ll share my own story of growing up under fear-based discipline, why I longed to parent differently, and how these verses actually point us toward authority rooted in wisdom, teaching, and guidance—not punishment. And ultimately, we’ll look at how Proverbs aligns with the heart of Jesus: strong yet gentle, full of grace and truth.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to reconcile the book of Proverbs with gentle, Christ-centered parenting, this conversation will give you fresh insight and encouragement.

Takeaway: Parenting like Jesus means shaping hearts, not breaking wills.

Link: www.listeninghearts.family/join