Proverbs 29:15 - Exposition

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 , Proverbs 10:13 ; 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."