A 17-year-old girl was beaten to death by her father, a school principal, for scoring low marks in a test that prepares the girl to get admission in a medical college. (NDTV, 23 June 2025) The Bible teaches that parents have the authority to discipline a child, should not withdraw discipline, and use the rod appropriately. (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14) The discipline includes punishment that is moderate and does not rob the child of dignity. The Law of Moses allows the magistrates to punish a criminal with not more than forty lashes, as it would degrade a person. (Deuteronomy 25:3) Discipline and penalty should not be violent, that maims or kills a child.
Imposing dreams: Even though the man was a school principal, he did not know that it was not possible to impose dreams on school children, including his children. Parents could have unfulfilled ambitions, but cannot impose their aspirations on children to fulfill the same. Herodias fulfilled her wicked desire to kill John the Baptist through her daughter, Salome. (Mark 6:21-29)
Overestimation: As a school principal, his desire for his children to excel in studies is a good wish. However, if it is made as a reputation, it burdens the child with unwarranted expectations. As a teacher, he knew the capacity of his daughter, but wanted to extract more than she could deliver. Milking a cow to death is utter foolishness.
No failure: Some parents are dictators who do not allow any failure or underperformance. When they are not perfect, expect perfection from their children. The Bible clearly teaches that no one is perfect, and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) As a school principal, he knows the fact, but refuses to apply it to his daughter.
Violence: The frustration of the father, his untamed anger, and worry about honor in society make him violent, which ends in the death of a hapless girl. In the Last Days, people will be brutal, ruthless, unappeasable, abusive, and lovers of self. (II Timothy 3:1-5)
Am I abusive, ruthless, and brutal in my approach?