Proverbs 29:15
New International Version
A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

New Living Translation
To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

English Standard Version
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Berean Standard Bible
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

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

New King James Version
The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

New American Standard Bible
The rod and a rebuke give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

NASB 1995
The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

NASB 1977
The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

Legacy Standard Bible
The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Amplified Bible
The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

Christian Standard Bible
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.

American Standard Version
The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.

Contemporary English Version
Correct your children, and they will be wise; children out of control disgrace their mothers.

English Revised Version
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A spanking and a warning produce wisdom, but an undisciplined child disgraces his mother.

Good News Translation
Correction and discipline are good for children. If they have their own way, they will make their mothers ashamed of them.

International Standard Version
The rod and rebuke bestow wisdom, but an undisciplined child brings shame to his mother.

Majority Standard Bible
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

NET Bible
A rod and reproof impart wisdom, but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.

New Heart English Bible
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

Webster's Bible Translation
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

World English Bible
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A rod and reproof give wisdom, "" And a youth let away is shaming his mother.

Young's Literal Translation
A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother.

Smith's Literal Translation
The rod and reproofs will give wisdom: and the youth being left shames his mother.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The rod and its correction distribute wisdom. But the child who is left to his own will brings shame to his mother.

New American Bible
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but uncontrolled youths disgrace their mothers.

New Revised Standard Version
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child who lacks discipline brings shame upon his mother.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A rod and reproof give wisdom and a boy without discipline shames his mother.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Stripes and reproofs give wisdom: but an erring child disgraces his parents.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed
14A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever. 15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. 16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.…

Cross References
Proverbs 13:24
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

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.

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.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,

1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

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.

Revelation 3:19
Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.

Proverbs 1:8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. / For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.


Treasury of Scripture

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

a rod

Proverbs 29:15,21
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame…

Proverbs 22:6,15
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it…

Proverbs 23:13,14
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die…

a child

Proverbs 10:1,5
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother…

Proverbs 17:21,25
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy…

1 Kings 1:6
And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.

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Cause Causes Causeth Child Correction Disgraces Gets Gives Guided Imparts Mother Reproof Rod Shame Shaming Sharp Way Wisdom Words Youth
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Cause Causes Causeth Child Correction Disgraces Gets Gives Guided Imparts Mother Reproof Rod Shame Shaming Sharp Way Wisdom Words Youth
Proverbs 29
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption














A rod of correction imparts wisdom
The "rod of correction" is a metaphor for discipline and guidance. In ancient Israel, the rod was a tool used by shepherds to guide and protect their sheep, symbolizing authority and care. This phrase emphasizes the importance of discipline in imparting wisdom, aligning with the broader biblical theme that wisdom is often gained through correction and instruction (Proverbs 13:24). The concept of discipline is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where correction is seen as an act of love (Hebrews 12:6). The rod is not merely punitive but is intended to guide the child towards understanding and righteousness, reflecting God's own discipline of His children.

but a child left to himself
A child "left to himself" suggests neglect or lack of guidance. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, children were expected to be under the tutelage of their parents, learning the ways of the household and the community. The absence of parental guidance could lead to a lack of moral and social development. This phrase highlights the responsibility of parents to actively engage in the upbringing of their children, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments diligently to their children. The biblical narrative consistently underscores the importance of community and family in shaping an individual's character and faith.

disgraces his mother
The disgrace brought upon the mother reflects the communal and familial shame associated with a child's misbehavior. In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, the family unit was central, and the actions of one member could affect the entire household's honor. The mother, often the primary caregiver, would bear the brunt of societal judgment for a child's waywardness. This phrase underscores the interconnectedness of family members and the collective responsibility for maintaining honor and righteousness. It also serves as a warning of the potential consequences of neglecting parental duties, as seen in the broader wisdom literature, which frequently addresses the outcomes of folly versus wisdom (Proverbs 10:1).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded 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. Parents
The verse implicitly involves parents, particularly the mother, as it speaks to the consequences of a child being left undisciplined.

3. Children
The focus of the verse is on children and the importance of discipline in their upbringing.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of the Proverbs is ancient Israel, where family and community discipline were integral to societal stability.

5. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Role of Discipline in Imparting Wisdom
Discipline is a tool used by parents to guide their children towards wisdom and understanding. It is not merely punitive but instructive, aiming to shape character and decision-making.

Consequences of Neglecting Discipline
A lack of discipline can lead to disgrace, not only for the child but also for the family. It underscores the responsibility of parents to actively engage in their child's moral and spiritual development.

Balancing Correction with Love
While discipline is necessary, it must be balanced with love and encouragement. The goal is to nurture a child’s growth in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness.

Cultural and Historical Context of Discipline
Understanding the historical context of discipline in ancient Israel can help modern readers appreciate the timeless principles of guidance and correction.

Discipline as a Reflection of God’s Love
Just as God disciplines those He loves, parental discipline should reflect God’s love and desire for His children to grow in wisdom and righteousness.(15) A child left to himself.--Allowed to wander unchecked as the wild ass (Job 39:5).

Bringeth his mother to shame.--Whose foolish indulgence has ruined him.

Verse 15. - The rod and reproof give wisdom to the young. The former denotes bodily correction, what we call corporal punishment; the latter, discipline in words, rebuke administered when any moral fault is noticed. The idea here enunciated is very common in this book (see Proverbs 10:1, 13; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13). But a child loft to himself bringeth his mother to shame. The verb translated "left" (שָׁלַח, shalach) is used in Job 39:5 of the wild ass left to wander free where it wills. A child allowed to do as he likes, undisciplined - spoiled, as we call it - is a shame to his mother, whose weakness has led to this want of restraint, fond love degenerating into over-indulgence (comp. Proverbs 17:21; Proverbs 28:7). Septuagint, "A son that goeth astray shameth his parents."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A rod
שֵׁ֣בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of correction
וְ֭תוֹכַחַת (wə·ṯō·w·ḵa·ḥaṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8433: Chastisement, correction, refutation, proof

imparts
יִתֵּ֣ן (yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

wisdom,
חָכְמָ֑ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

but a child
וְנַ֥עַר (wə·na·‘ar)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

left to himself
מְ֝שֻׁלָּ֗ח (mə·šul·lāḥ)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

disgraces
מֵבִ֥ישׁ (mê·ḇîš)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

his mother.
אִמּֽוֹ׃ (’im·mōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 29:14
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