Photo by joseph d'mello on Unsplash Flipping the script on the punitive rod Spare the rod and spoil the child - where did we get this from? Here, the rod is a symbol of protection. A shepherd protects the sheep from predators with a rod, which can also be used to gently guide the sheep. The psalmist speaks of the comfort he has in knowing that he has the protection of the Divine Shepherd. Wouldn’t it be great if those who are advocating for the use of the rod for punishment could flip the script and instead focus on using the “rod” for guidance and protection?