Proverbs 22:15

15 Doing wrong is firmly tied to the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away 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 A lazy man says, "There's a lion outside! I'll be killed if I go out in the street!"

14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; the man with whom ADONAI is angry falls into it.

15 Doing wrong is firmly tied to the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away from him.

16 Both oppressing the poor to enrich oneself and giving to the rich yield only loss.

17 Pay attention, and listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge;