Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. New Living Translation A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away. English Standard Version Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Berean Standard Bible Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. King James Bible Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. New King James Version Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. New American Standard Bible Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. NASB 1995 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. NASB 1977 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. Legacy Standard Bible Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. Amplified Bible Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him. Christian Standard Bible Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of discipline will separate it from him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth; the rod of discipline will drive it away from him. American Standard Version Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Contemporary English Version All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change. English Revised Version Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Foolishness is firmly attached to a child's heart. Spanking will remove it far from him. Good News Translation Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave. International Standard Version A child's heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him. NET Bible Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. New Heart English Bible Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Webster's Bible Translation Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFoolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. World English Bible Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFolly is bound up in the heart of a youth, "" The rod of discipline puts it far from him. Young's Literal Translation Folly is bound up in the heart of a youth, The rod of chastisement putteth it far from him. Smith's Literal Translation Folly being bound in the heart of a youth; the rod of correction shall remove it far off from him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFolly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of correction shall drive it away. Catholic Public Domain Version Foolishness has been bound to the heart of a child, and a rod of discipline shall cause it to flee. New American Bible Folly is bound to the heart of a youth, but the rod of discipline will drive it out. New Revised Standard Version Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFoolishness moves the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Senselessness disturbs the heart of a boy and a rod of discipline puts it far from him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Brenton Septuagint Translation Folly is attached to the heart of a child, but the rod and instruction are then far from him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Good Name…14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it. 15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.… Cross References Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. / Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. Proverbs 29:15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. Deuteronomy 8:5 So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent. Proverbs 20:30 Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Treasury of Scripture Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. foolishness Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. but Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Proverbs 23:13,14 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die… Jump to Previous Bound Chastisement Child Correction Deep-Seated Discipline Drive Drives Far Folly Foolish Foolishness Heart Punishment Putteth Remove Rod Ways YouthJump to Next Bound Chastisement Child Correction Deep-Seated Discipline Drive Drives Far Folly Foolish Foolishness Heart Punishment Putteth Remove Rod Ways YouthProverbs 22 1. A good name is more desirable than great wealthFoolishness is bound up in the heart of a child This phrase suggests that foolishness is an inherent part of human nature from a young age. In biblical context, "foolishness" often refers to moral and spiritual folly, not merely a lack of intelligence. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This aligns with the biblical view of original sin, as seen in Genesis 8:21, where God acknowledges the inclination of the human heart toward evil from youth. The idea that foolishness is "bound up" implies it is deeply rooted and not easily removed without intervention. but the rod of discipline drives it far from him Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. Children The verse specifically mentions children, highlighting their natural inclination towards foolishness and the need for guidance and discipline. 3. The Rod of Discipline This is a metaphorical tool representing correction and guidance. In ancient times, a rod was used by shepherds to guide and protect their sheep, symbolizing authority and discipline. Teaching Points Understanding FoolishnessThe Hebrew word for "foolishness" ('ivveleth) implies a lack of wisdom or moral insight. Recognize that children naturally lack experience and understanding, necessitating guidance. Role of Discipline Discipline is not merely punitive but corrective and instructive. It is meant to guide children towards wisdom and away from harmful behaviors. Parental Responsibility Parents are entrusted with the responsibility to discipline their children lovingly and consistently, reflecting God's discipline of His children. Balance in Discipline While discipline is necessary, it should be balanced with love and encouragement, ensuring that it builds up rather than discourages. Long-term Perspective Understand that discipline is an investment in a child's future character and spiritual growth, aiming to instill wisdom and righteousness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:15?2. How does Proverbs 22:15 define "folly" in the heart of a child? 3. What role does discipline play in removing folly, according to Proverbs 22:15? 4. How can parents apply Proverbs 22:15 in raising their children today? 5. What other scriptures support the discipline mentioned in Proverbs 22:15? 6. How does understanding Proverbs 22:15 impact your approach to child-rearing? 7. How does Proverbs 22:15 define the nature of foolishness in children? 8. What is the historical context of Proverbs 22:15 in ancient Israelite society? 9. How should Proverbs 22:15 influence modern Christian parenting practices? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22? 11. What are the Bible's teachings on spanking children? 12. What does "spare the rod, spoil the child" mean? 13. What does the Bible say about corporal punishment? 14. What does the Bible say about disciplining children? What Does Proverbs 22:15 Mean Foolishness is bound up• “Foolishness” here speaks of a natural, deep-seated bent toward self-centeredness and short-sighted choices. Scripture consistently recognizes this tendency: “The hearts of men are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). • The phrase “is bound up” pictures foolish impulses tied tightly within, not easily shaken off. Left alone, they will steer a life toward ruin (Proverbs 14:12). • God’s Word never flatters human nature; it diagnoses it. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes”. That is the default setting needing intervention. in the heart of a child • Children arrive with delightful innocence, yet also with fallen hearts. Psalm 51:5 reminds us, “Surely I was sinful at birth”. • Because choices flow from the heart, early guidance is crucial. If we wait until rebellion matures, the cost multiplies (Proverbs 19:18). • The verse does not demean children; it alerts parents and mentors to their God-given task: shaping young hearts before patterns harden (Proverbs 22:6). but the rod of discipline • “Rod” symbolizes purposeful correction, not uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 13:24 clarifies: “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently”. • Discipline is broader than physical spanking. It includes consistent consequences, instruction, and loving boundaries (Ephesians 6:4). • Proper discipline reflects God’s own fatherly training: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6). Love and firmness are never rivals; they partner to protect. drives it far from him • Wise correction doesn’t merely suppress outward misbehavior; it aims to uproot inward folly. Proverbs 29:17 promises, “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest”. • The result is distance between the child and destructive choices. When parents steady the steering wheel early, the child learns self-governance later (Proverbs 23:13-14). • This outcome blesses the entire community, creating future adults who choose wisdom over folly (Proverbs 29:15). summary Proverbs 22:15 teaches that every child enters life with folly tightly fastened to the heart. Loving parents accept the God-ordained role of patient, corrective discipline—firm, measured, and always motivated by care. Such guidance loosens folly’s grip and sets children on a path toward wisdom, blessing both their own futures and all who live alongside them. (15) Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.--Self-will is meant. (See above on Proverbs 1:7.) Children have to be taught to yield their wills to others.Verse 15. - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. Foolishness (ivveleth) here implies the love of mischief, the waywardness and self-will, belonging to children, bound up in their very nature. Septuagint, "Folly is attached (ἐξῆπται) to the heart of the young," in which version Cornelius a Lapide sees an allusion to the ornament hung by fond parents round the neck of a child whom they were inclined to spoil rather than to train in self-denying ways. To such a child folly adheres as closely as the bulla with which he is decorated. But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Judicious education overcomes this natural tendency, by punishing it when exhibited, and imparting wisdom and piety (see on Proverbs 13:24 and Proverbs 19:18; and comp. Proverbs 23:13; Proverbs 29:15; Ecclus. 30:1, etc). The LXX. pursue their notion of the the indulgent parents letting the child have his own way, for they render the last clause, "But the rod and discipline are far from him."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Foolishnessאִ֭וֶּלֶת (’iw·we·leṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 200: Silliness [is] bound up קְשׁוּרָ֣ה (qə·šū·rāh) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 7194: To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, league in the heart בְלֶב־ (ḇə·leḇ-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre of a child, נָ֑עַר (nā·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer [but] the rod שֵׁ֥בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of discipline מ֝וּסָ֗ר (mū·sār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint will drive it far יַרְחִיקֶ֥נָּה (yar·ḥî·qen·nāh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7368: To be or become far or distant from him. מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of Links Proverbs 22:15 NIVProverbs 22:15 NLT Proverbs 22:15 ESV Proverbs 22:15 NASB Proverbs 22:15 KJV Proverbs 22:15 BibleApps.com Proverbs 22:15 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 22:15 Chinese Bible Proverbs 22:15 French Bible Proverbs 22:15 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart (Prov. 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