Proverbs 19:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

NIV: Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

NASB: Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death.

CSB: Discipline your son while there is hope; don't set your heart on being the cause of his death.

NLT: Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

KJV: Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

NKJV: Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.

This is one of the few biblical proverbs phrased as a command, rather than a simple statement or a piece of sage advice. Parents know all too well—and some all too late—that the best time to shape a child's behavior is when they are young. This requires discipline. The meaning here is not about corporal punishment, i.e., spanking, but the overall concept of boundaries and consequences. A child left without discipline grows into an adult without respect for authority. They may struggle with self-control and decision-making. That brings the son or daughter suffering and piles shame on the parents (Proverbs 10:1). Deeply rebellious people are at much greater risk, including legal consequences (Deuteronomy 21:18–21).

It has been observed, "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree." Also, it has been said, "Train a child from the time he is in the playpen so he will stay out of the state pen." Disciplining a child is not pleasant, but it is necessary. Godly discipline must be administered in love rather than anger. Hebrews 12:6 says, "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." The same passage assures us, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

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.