When the men have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and have him flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime deserves, but he must not give him more than forty lashes. If he is flogged more than that, your brother will be degraded in your eyes. 25:1-3
Footnote:
At first glance these verses appear irrelevant today. But a closer look reveals some important principles about discipline. Are you responsible for the discipline of a child, a student, or an employee? Three important points will help you carry out your responsibility:
1. let the punishment follow quickly after the offense;
2. let the degree of punishment reflect the seriousness of the offense; and
3. don't overdo the punishment.
Discipline that is swift, just, and restrained makes its point while preserving the dignity of the offender.
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All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
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