Proverbs 23:13

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child, if you will beat him with the rod, he will 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 strong, he himself will plead their cause against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ear to sayings of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child, if you will beat him with the rod, he will not die.
14 As for you, with the rod you shall beat him, and his life you will save from Sheol.
15 My child, if your heart is wise, my heart will be glad--even me!
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.