In the context of what we know, what AP did is not condoned in the Bible. Balance is your friend. Letting scripture interpret scripture is good practice. That is how I have practiced and taught biblical child discipline for over 30 years with, BTW, stellar results.
Please show me which verses AP violated by disciplining too far.
Concerning your experience, good for you.
So that is your position? That the knowledge and wisdom from the Book of Proverbs relates only to that particular culture? You speak in stark contrasts stating what Proverbs is and isn't. I look at the Bible as a whole, let scripture interpret scripture and the Holy Spirit lead me to all truth. It works very well when you don't go against God's wisdom and design.
That is a part in how context is determined: To whom was the writer penning directly? How would it have been received within their culture? What was the writing style of the penman? What was the intent of the writer? I never said that Proverbs couldn't be relevant but rather not
mandated. Hence, the name of the book
Proverbs. By nature, they are generalities as experienced by the penmen. There are lessons that can be learned throughout but they are NOT guarantees.
For example, the fact that Hugh Heffner has lived this long mean he is righteous?
The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
No it doesn't. The writer is expressing a generality from his experience, hence it is a proverb.
All kidding aside, I believe it would be much better to take the Bible as a whole (II Timothy 3:16) and look at things in context.
Context of II Tim. 3:16 shows Paul was not including New Testament. He was speaking of the canon he (and Timothy) had access to. To apply Paul's teaching to include a 66-book canon is taking it out of its context.
Better yet, how about the whole counsel of God and teach the meaning behind the Hebrew in Proverbs 22:6? Teaching your children the "proper tastes" in how they should "go" so that they will have an internal compass knowing which way to live when they are adults or in adult situations.
Proverbs 22:
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Besides the fact that these are generalities and not guarantees, context indicates the idea of prosperity. In addition, "in the way he should go" can also be translated "according to his bent". In essence, God has given each child an individual gift and if we as parents, leaders and adults hone in on that with our kids, generally they will stick with it.
P.S. I firmly believe behavioral medication is dangerous, period. The "science" behind it is flawed at best and corrupt at worst. When a secular humanistic society uses the term "mental health" in connection with child rearing, Christian parents should be VERY cautious.
Parents should always be cautious with any medications, not just behavioral. I do agree that using meds to rear children is lazy and inappropriate, but the fact that sometimes a kid that can't sit still or focus just might be due to brain neurons misfiring which
might be helped with the right kind of meds. Just because a kid doesn't pay attention doesn't mean he has mental illness but if it continues to happen over time, the parent should get it checked out by a medical physician, IMHO.
