Proverbs 22:15

15 Every child is full of foolishness, but punishment can get rid of it.

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 lazy person says, "There's a lion outside! I might get killed out in the street!"

14 The words of an unfaithful wife are like a deep trap. Those who make the Lord angry will get caught by them.

15 Every child is full of foolishness, but punishment can get rid of it.

16 Whoever gets rich by mistreating the poor, and gives presents to the wealthy, will become poor.

17 Listen carefully to what wise people say; pay attention to what I am teaching you.