Proverbs 23:13

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat him with a 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 will plead their cause against you.
12 Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 If you beat him with the rod you will save his life from Sheol
15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.