Proverbs 13:24

24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.^[a]

Proverbs 13:24 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 13:24

He that spareth his rod hateth his son
Who withholds or withdraws his rod of correction, which is in his hand, which he has power to use, and ought to exercise at proper times; he, instead of loving his son, may be said to hate him; for such fond love is no better than hatred; and, if he really hated him, he could scarcely do a more ill thing by him than not to correct him for a fault; which was the sin of good old Eli, and both he and his sons suffered for it; but he that loveth him;
that has a true love for his son, and a hearty concern for his welfare and future good; he will regulate his affections by his judgment, and not give way to a fond passion, to the prejudice of his child: but he chasteneth him betimes,
or "in the morning" ^F24; in the morning of his infancy, before vicious habits are contracted, or he is accustomed to sinning, and hardened in it; or as soon as a crime is perpetrated, before it is forgot or repeated: or every morning, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra; that is, continually, as often as it is necessary, or as faults are committed.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F24 (wrxv) "mane castigat eum", Munster; "matutinat ei disciplinam", Michaelis.

Proverbs 13:24 In-Context

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

23 The field of the poor yields abundant food, but without justice, it is swept away.

24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.

25 A righteous man eats until he is satisfied, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 22:15; 23:13-14; Heb 12:5-7