Proverbs 23:13

13 Withhold not correction from the child; for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die:

Proverbs 23:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:13

Withhold not correction from the child
When he has committed a fault, and correction is necessary; for to spare it is the ruin of the child, and no proof of true affection in the parent, but the reverse; see ( Proverbs 13:24 ) ( 19:18 ) ; for, [if] thou beatest him with a rod, he shall not die;
if he be beaten moderately, there is no danger of his dying under the rod, or with the stripes given him; besides, such moderate and proper corrections may be a means of preserving him from such crimes as would bring him to a shameful and untimely death, and so he shall not die such a death; and by such means, through the grace of God, he may escape the second, or eternal death.

Proverbs 23:13 In-Context

11 for their redeemer is mighty; he will plead their cause against thee.
12 Apply thy heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not correction from the child; for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die:
14 thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from Sheol
15 My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine;
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.