He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. He who spares the rodThe phrase "spares the rod" refers to the act of withholding discipline. The "rod" in ancient Hebrew culture, represented by the word "שֵׁבֶט" (shebet), was a symbol of authority and correction. Historically, the rod was used by shepherds to guide and protect their sheep, not to harm them. In a parental context, it signifies the responsibility to guide children towards righteousness. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes that sparing the rod is akin to neglecting the duty of instilling moral values and discipline, which are crucial for a child's development. hates his son
The word "hates" here is strong and deliberate. In Hebrew, "שָׂנֵא" (sane) conveys a sense of neglect or disregard rather than active malice. The verse suggests that failing to discipline a child is a form of neglect that can lead to long-term harm. From a conservative viewpoint, this underscores the importance of loving correction as an expression of genuine care and concern for a child's well-being and future. but he who loves him
The contrast introduced by "but" highlights the difference between neglect and active love. "Loves" in Hebrew, "אָהַב" (ahav), implies a deep, committed affection that seeks the best for the other person. In the context of parenting, love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the child's growth and moral development. This aligns with the conservative Christian belief that true love involves guiding children in the ways of the Lord. disciplines him diligently
The phrase "disciplines him diligently" emphasizes consistent and thoughtful correction. The Hebrew word for "disciplines," "מוּסָר" (musar), encompasses instruction, correction, and training. "Diligently" suggests a persistent and careful approach, indicating that discipline should be neither harsh nor sporadic but rather a steady, loving effort to teach and guide. This reflects the conservative Christian view that discipline is an essential part of nurturing a child's character and faith, preparing them to live a life that honors God. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God. 2. The Father and SonThis verse metaphorically represents the relationship between a parent and child, emphasizing the importance of discipline in nurturing a child's growth and character. 3. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where family and community life were central, and discipline was a key aspect of upbringing. Teaching Points The Purpose of DisciplineDiscipline is an expression of love and care. It is not about punishment but about guiding a child towards wisdom and righteousness. The Balance of Love and CorrectionEffective discipline involves a balance of love and correction. It should be administered with the child's best interest in mind, aiming to build character and understanding. The Consequences of Neglecting DisciplineFailing to discipline can lead to a lack of respect for authority and poor decision-making. It is crucial for parents to understand the long-term impact of their approach to discipline. Discipline as a Reflection of God's LoveJust as God disciplines those He loves, parents are called to reflect this divine love through their discipline, teaching children about God's nature and His expectations. Cultural and Historical ContextUnderstanding the cultural context of ancient Israel can help modern readers appreciate the importance placed on discipline and the family structure in biblical times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of discipline in Proverbs 13:24 reflect the character of God as described in other parts of the Bible? 2. In what ways can parents today apply the principles of discipline found in Proverbs 13:24 while maintaining a loving relationship with their children? 3. How can understanding the original Hebrew word for "rod" (shebet) enhance our interpretation of this verse? 4. What are some practical ways to balance discipline and encouragement in parenting, according to biblical principles? 5. How can the lessons from Proverbs 13:24 be applied to other areas of life, such as leadership or mentorship, beyond the parent-child relationship? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 12:6This verse speaks about the Lord disciplining those He loves, drawing a parallel between divine discipline and parental discipline. Ephesians 6:4This passage advises fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, highlighting the balance between discipline and nurturing. Deuteronomy 8:5This verse compares God's discipline of His people to a father disciplining his son, reinforcing the concept of discipline as an expression of love. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Betimes, Care, Careful, Chasteneth, Chastisement, Diligent, Diligently, Discipline, Disciplines, Gives, Hastened, Hates, Hateth, Hating, Keeps, Loves, Loveth, Loving, Punishment, Rod, Spares, Spareth, Sparing, Unkind, WithholdsDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 13:24 5053 responsibility, for world
5276 crime
5666 children, needs
5685 fathers, responsibilities
5777 admonition
8232 discipline, family
8300 love, and the world Library The Tillage of the Poor
'Much food is in the tillage of the poor.'--PROVERBS xiii. 23. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to prevent the acquisition of large estates by any Israelite. The consequence, as intended, was a level of modest prosperity. It was 'the tillage of the poor,' the careful, diligent husbandry of the man who had only a little patch of land to look after, that filled the storehouses of the Holy Land. Hence the proverb of our text arose. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
'There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.'--PROVERBS xiii. 7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, that of a man who lives like a pauper and is rich. The latter character, that of a man who hides and hoards his wealth, was, perhaps, more common in the days when this collection of Proverbs was put together, because in all ill-governed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament
[Sidenote: The various methods of approach] The Old Testament may be studied as literature, as history, as the record of an important stage in the evolution of religion, as the revelation of God to the race, or as a practical aid to the individual in living the true life. Each angle of approach calls for different methods and yields its correspondingly rich results. Studied in accordance with the canons of modern literary investigation, a literature is disclosed of surpassing variety, beauty, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Song of the Redeemed
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou ... hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation ... T he extent, variety, and order of the creation, proclaim the glory of God. He is likewise, ^* Maximus in Minimis . The smallest of the works, that we are capable of examining, such for instance as the eye or the wing of a little insect, the creature of a day, are stamped with an inimitable impression of His wisdom and power. Thus in His written Word, there …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory Not," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c. It is a common evil of those who hear the gospel, that they are not delivered up to the mould and frame of religion that is holden out in it, but rather bring religion into a mould of their own invention. It was the special commendation of the Romans, that they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which they were delivered, (Rom. vi. 17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of sin, had now …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 13:24 NIVProverbs 13:24 NLTProverbs 13:24 ESVProverbs 13:24 NASBProverbs 13:24 KJV
Proverbs 13:24 Commentaries
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