Proverbs 23:13–16

PROVERBS CHAPTER 23.

V. 13. Withhold not correction from the child; for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die, that is, the punishment may be bitter, even for the parent, but that fact dare not interfere with the plain duty imposed by the Lord. V. 14. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, with severe punishment, if necessary, and shalt deliver his soul from hell, for the correction will result in blessing to the child, in keeping him from worse transgressions and thus becoming a victim of death in sins. Compare chapter 3, 27; 19, 18; 22, 15.

V. 15. My son, if thine heart be wise, as the result of wholesome teaching here offered, my heart shall rejoice, even mine, for such is the effect of successful teaching upon the instructor. V. 16. Yea, my reins, his whole inner being, shall rejoice when thy lips speak right things, in an outward manifestation of the wisdom of the heart.