Proverbs 22:15

15 A child is going to do foolish things. But correcting him will drive his foolishness 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 People who don't want to work say, "There's a lion outside!" Or they say, "I'll be murdered if I go out into the streets!"

14 The mouth of a woman who commits adultery is like a deep pit. Any man the LORD is angry with will fall into it.

15 A child is going to do foolish things. But correcting him will drive his foolishness far away from him.

16 One person may beat poor people down in order to get rich. Another person may give gifts to rich people. Both of them will become poor.

17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of those who are wise. Apply your heart to the sayings I teach.