Proverbs 22:15 kjv

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 22:15 nkjv

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 22:15 niv

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Proverbs 22:15 esv

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

Proverbs 22:15 nlt

A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness,
but physical discipline will drive it far away.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 15 Meaning

This verse conveys a profound truth about human nature: foolishness, encompassing moral defect and inclination to sin, is inherently ingrained in a child's heart from a young age. It emphasizes the critical need for firm, consistent discipline—represented by the "rod of correction"—to actively dislodge this foolishness and guide the child towards wisdom and righteousness.

Proverbs 22 15 Context

Proverbs 22 is part of the "Sayings of the Wise," a collection of ethical instructions emphasizing righteous living and the benefits of wisdom over folly. Verses prior to 22:15 discuss topics like riches, poverty, reputation, and parental responsibility. Verse 6 ("Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it") provides a broad command for child-rearing, while verse 15 offers a specific strategy and underlying anthropological truth for achieving that goal. Historically and culturally, the ancient Israelite home was the primary school for moral and spiritual formation. Strong parental authority and the practice of discipline were standard for transmitting societal values and religious principles.

Proverbs 22 15 Word analysis

• Foolishness (אִוֶּלֶת, ’iwweleṯ): More than a mere lack of intelligence, this signifies a moral perversion or spiritual immaturity. It describes a deep-seated inclination towards behavior contrary to God's wisdom and moral order, leading to ruin. It highlights that an inner bent towards sin is characteristic of fallen humanity.
• is bound (קָשׁוּר, qāšûr): Literally means "tied" or "firmly fastened." It implies that foolishness is deeply inherent, a part of the child's nature, not a fleeting phase. It suggests this disposition is deeply entrenched and will not simply disappear on its own.
• in the heart (בְּלֵב, bə·lēḇ): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. This indicates that foolishness stems from the innermost being, highlighting an internal, natural propensity.
• of a child (נַעַר, naʿar): Refers to a young person, ranging from early childhood through adolescence, who is still under parental authority. This period is crucial for character formation and requires intentional guidance.
• but the rod (שֵׁבֶט, šēᗃeṭ): Literally a "staff" or "stick," it broadly represents authority, discipline, and governance. While it can refer to physical chastisement, it primarily symbolizes authoritative, purposeful intervention, which includes verbal rebuke, consistent boundaries, and natural consequences—always administered with a corrective and formative goal, not out of anger or abuse.
• of correction (תּוֹכַחַת, tôḵahaṯ): Means reproof, instruction, or discipline. This term emphasizes that the purpose of the "rod" is to correct error, guide towards truth, and instill wisdom, not merely to punish. It aims for learning and change.
• shall drive it far (יַרְחִיקֶנָּה, yarḥîqennāh): Conveys an active and decisive expulsion or removal. This implies that foolishness must be forcefully and intentionally expelled, not passively outgrown. The action is firm, thorough, and aims to create distance between the child and their foolish tendencies.
• from him (מִמֶּנּוּ, mimmennû): The discipline's ultimate aim is to remove foolishness from the individual's core, transforming their character rather than just suppressing outward behavior.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child": This clause sets forth the fundamental problem. It asserts that every child is born with an inherent inclination towards moral foolishness, selfishness, and disregard for God's ways, deeply rooted in their nature. This premise refutes notions of inherent goodness in children and establishes the necessity of external intervention.
• "but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him": This clause provides the divine solution. The "rod of correction" signifies loving, authoritative, and purposeful discipline (which may include physical aspects, alongside verbal rebuke and consequences). This discipline is presented as the divinely appointed, effective means to actively counteract and expel the deep-seated foolishness, guiding the child toward wisdom, self-control, and righteous living.

Proverbs 22 15 Bonus section

• The proverb offers a fundamental theological truth regarding humanity's inherent sinfulness (inherited from the Fall, as referenced in Gen 8:21 and Rom 3:23). It counters philosophical views that children are a tabula rasa or naturally good.
• Biblical discipline is a form of love (Prov 13:24, Heb 12:6), distinguishing it sharply from anger-driven punishment or abuse. Its efficacy lies in its redemptive intent and its focus on the child's character transformation.
• The "rod" should always be viewed within the broader context of biblical child-rearing, which emphasizes training (Prov 22:6), teaching (Deut 6:6-7), and instruction in the ways of the Lord, alongside the loving discipline necessary to steer a child towards godly living.

Proverbs 22 15 Commentary

Proverbs 22:15 provides a clear, challenging, and often counter-cultural biblical perspective on child-rearing. It confronts the idea that children are born inherently good or that they will simply outgrow their negative inclinations. Instead, it asserts that "foolishness"—a comprehensive term for moral unruliness, self-will, and rebellion against God's wisdom—is intrinsically tied to the very "heart" of a child. This is a reference to the effects of the Fall on human nature, seen from a young age. Therefore, leaving a child to their own devices will only lead to the hardening of these foolish tendencies.

The solution prescribed is the "rod of correction." This is not a sanction for abuse but represents loving, authoritative discipline that corrects and trains. It encompasses verbal instruction, setting firm boundaries, enforcing consequences, and, when deemed necessary and administered judiciously and in love, physical correction. The key is that the "rod" is "of correction" – its purpose is formative, redemptive, and aimed at guidance toward wisdom, not punitive damage. Its ultimate goal is to "drive" (forcefully remove) foolishness from the child, leading them to righteousness and true freedom in aligning with God’s will. This process reflects God's own discipline for His children, which always aims for their good and holiness (Heb 12:6-11). It's a call for intentional, courageous, and Spirit-led parenting that values long-term character development over short-term peace.

• Example 1: A child continually tells untruths. Parental "correction" would involve a serious, firm conversation about honesty, perhaps a clear consequence for the lie, and a consistent emphasis on the importance of truth, with prayer and ongoing guidance.
• Example 2: A teenager constantly disobeys rules. The "rod of correction" would mean consistent application of established boundaries, withdrawal of privileges related to their disobedience, and clear discussions about accountability and respect for authority.