Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Original Language Analysis
קְשׁוּרָ֣ה
is bound
H7194
קְשׁוּרָ֣ה
is bound
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
2 of 8
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
בְלֶב
in the heart
H3820
בְלֶב
in the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
נָ֑עַר
of a child
H5288
נָ֑עַר
of a child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
4 of 8
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
שֵׁ֥בֶט
but the rod
H7626
שֵׁ֥בֶט
but the rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
5 of 8
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
מ֝וּסָ֗ר
of correction
H4148
מ֝וּסָ֗ר
of correction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
Cross References
Proverbs 13:24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.Proverbs 19:18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.Proverbs 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.Proverbs 29:17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite pedagogy included physical discipline as one element of comprehensive training. Multiple proverbs address this (13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15). Modern contexts differ culturally and legally, requiring wisdom in application. The underlying principle remains: children need loving correction to overcome innate sinfulness and develop godly character. Neglecting discipline harms rather than helps children.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance loving nurture with necessary correction in raising or discipling children?
- In what ways does recognizing innate foolishness in children's hearts affect your approach to child-rearing or youth ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses child-rearing: 'Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.' The verse recognizes innate sinfulness—'foolishness' (ivvelet—moral folly, not mere childish ignorance) is 'bound' (qeshurah—tied, attached) in children's hearts from birth. This reflects the doctrine of original sin (Psalm 51:5, 58:3). The 'rod of correction' (shevet musar—disciplinary rod, corrective training) serves to 'drive it far from him'—removing foolishness through loving discipline. This doesn't endorse child abuse but affirms that children need correction, including appropriate physical discipline administered in love. The goal is moral formation, driving out folly to produce wisdom.