Proverbs 29:15 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

NASB: The rod and a rebuke give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

CSB: A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.

NLT: To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

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

NKJV: The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

A parent who thinks it is not loving to correct a child misunderstands the nature of love. Hebrews 12:5–6 reminds us that our heavenly Father disciplines His children because He loves them. This passage states: "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Children need to be lovingly guided, even punished, so they learn to avoid even worse consequences (Proverbs 3:11; 13:24; 15:5; 22:15).

These verses do not encourage cruel or abusive retaliation by any parent. It is important to match the discipline with the offense. Likewise, it's necessary to ensure a child knows why they are being corrected, so they can learn. Paul commands fathers not to "provoke [their] children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Without discipline a child will engage in wrong behavior, and in doing so he will hurt others, including himself (Proverbs 8:33–36), and bring shame to his parents (Proverbs 19:26; 29:17).

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.