Proverbs 22:15

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; [But] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 22:15 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child
That is, sin, the greatest of all folly; this is naturally in the heart of man; it is in the heart of a child, it is in him from his infancy; it is bound in his heart, it is rooted and riveted in him, being conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity; it is what cleaves close to him, and he has a strong affection for and desire after: the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth, ( Genesis 8:21 ) ; so that he is not easily brought off of sin, or becomes wise; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him;
the rod used by parents, for the correction of sin and folly, is a means of making children wise, and of restraining the folly that is bound up in them; and of reclaiming them from those sinful ways, which the folly of their hearts leads them to, and so in some measure of driving it far from them.

Proverbs 22:15 In-Context

13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion without: I shall be slain in the streets.
14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; [But] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [gain], [And] he that giveth to the rich, [shall come] only to want.
17 Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.