Proverbs Chapter 29 · Verse 15

Authorized King James Version

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The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Original Language Analysis

שֵׁ֣בֶט The rod H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט The rod
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 1 of 8
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וְ֭תוֹכַחַת and reproof H8433
וְ֭תוֹכַחַת and reproof
Strong's: H8433
Word #: 2 of 8
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
יִתֵּ֣ן give H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן give
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 3 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
חָכְמָ֑ה wisdom H2451
חָכְמָ֑ה wisdom
Strong's: H2451
Word #: 4 of 8
wisdom (in a good sense)
וְנַ֥עַר but a child H5288
וְנַ֥עַר but a child
Strong's: H5288
Word #: 5 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
מְ֝שֻׁלָּ֗ח left H7971
מְ֝שֻׁלָּ֗ח left
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 6 of 8
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מֵבִ֥ישׁ to shame H954
מֵבִ֥ישׁ to shame
Strong's: H954
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
אִמּֽוֹ׃ to himself bringeth his mother H517
אִמּֽוֹ׃ to himself bringeth his mother
Strong's: H517
Word #: 8 of 8
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis & Commentary

The rod and reproof give wisdom (שֵׁבֶט וְתוֹכַחַת יִתֶּן־חָכְמָה)—physical discipline (shevet, rod/staff) combined with verbal correction (tokachat, rebuke/instruction) imparts wisdom (chokmah). Proverbs repeatedly endorses corporal discipline as loving correction (Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14). The goal isn't abuse but formation—shaping the will toward wisdom.

But a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame (וְנַעַר מְשֻׁלָּח מֵבִישׁ אִמּוֹ)—a youth (naar) sent away/abandoned (meshullach, let loose, undisciplined) brings shame to his mother. Permissive parenting produces shameful outcomes. Hebrews 12:5-11 applies this to God's fatherly discipline of believers—painful but producing 'the peaceable fruit of righteousness.'

Historical Context

Ancient Israelite parenting emphasized active formation through both physical discipline and verbal instruction (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The family was the primary institution for transmitting covenant faith and wisdom. A child's behavior reflected on the entire family's honor. Eli's failure to restrain his wicked sons brought divine judgment (1 Samuel 2:22-36).

Questions for Reflection