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The article proposes a critical analysis on the meaning of the recommendation of the use of the rod in the education of the children, in five sayings of the biblical book of Proverbs (Prov 13:24; 22:15; 23:13.14; 29:15). The objective is to analyze, with the aid of exegesis, the proverbs, in their literary, historical and cultural context; and to interpret them hermeneutically for the current reality, with the prohibition of beating children. With the assumptions of the method of historical-critical exegesis, the analysis of the first saying is made, which affirms verbatim: "Who holds back his rod hates his son, but who loves him seeks him with discipline" (Prov 13:24). According to this analysis model, the other four are commented. The recommendation of the use of the rod, in the Bible, aims at discipline, to form righteous people, according to the wisdom project, illustrated in the literary context of Prov 13, which was part of the methodology common to the Ancient Near East, as illustrated by several parallel citations. However, this disciplinary method has undergone more rigorous applications throughout history, to be radically revised in modern pedagogy. It is concluded that the interpretation of this ancient practice, for the present world, requires appropriate hermeneutics, with proper application, according to other instructions recommended by the Bible, such as stoning criminals, not touching a corpse, and practicing polygamy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]