Proverbs 22:15

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far 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 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!"

14 The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to want.

17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;