Proverbs 22:15
Proverbs 22:15 in Multiple Translations
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Foolish ways are deep-seated in the heart of a child, but the rod of punishment will send them far from him.
Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.
Foolishnesse is bounde in the heart of a childe: but the rodde of correction shall driue it away from him.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a youth, The rod of chastisement putteth it far from him.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of correction shall drive it away.
Children [SYN] naturally do things that are foolish, but if you punish/spank them [PRS], they will ◄stop doing foolish things/learn to behave as they should►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 22:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
קְשׁוּרָ֣ה
בְ/לֶב
נָ֑עַר
שֵׁ֥בֶט
מ֝וּסָ֗ר
יַרְחִיקֶ֥/נָּה
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
קְשׁוּרָ֣ה
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
נָ֑עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
שֵׁ֥בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
מ֝וּסָ֗ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
יַרְחִיקֶ֥/נָּה
râchaq
H7368
to remove
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:15
אִ֭וֶּלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
קְשׁוּרָ֣ה
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
V-Qal-Inf-c
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
נָ֑עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
שֵׁ֥בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
מ֝וּסָ֗ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
יַרְחִיקֶ֥/נָּה
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:15
Context — A Good Name
13The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
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. 17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:24 | He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:15 | A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 3 | Proverbs 19:18 | Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
| 6 | Hebrews 12:10–11 | Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 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. |
| 7 | Ephesians 2:3 | All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. |
| 8 | Psalms 51:5 | Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. |
| 9 | Job 14:4 | Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! |
| 10 | John 3:6 | Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. |
Proverbs 22:15 Summary
This verse tells us that children are naturally foolish and need guidance and discipline to learn what is right. The 'rod of discipline' is not just about punishment, but about teaching and guiding children to make wise choices, as seen in Proverbs 29:15. As parents and caregivers, we are called to help drive out foolishness and teach wisdom, that our children may grow up to fear and love the Lord, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:7 and Proverbs 1:7. By seeking wisdom from God's Word and from wise mentors, we can help our children walk in wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for foolishness to be 'bound up' in the heart of a child?
This phrase suggests that foolishness is an inherent part of a child's nature, as seen in Ephesians 2:3, where it says we are all by nature children of wrath. However, through discipline and guidance, this foolishness can be driven out, as Proverbs 22:15 promises.
Is the 'rod of discipline' a reference to physical punishment?
While the rod of discipline may involve physical correction, it is not limited to it. As seen in Proverbs 29:15, discipline can also involve verbal correction and guidance. The key is to drive out foolishness, not just to punish, as Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that God disciplines us for our good.
How does this verse relate to parenting and childcare?
This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline and guidance in the life of a child. As parents, we are called to drive out foolishness and teach our children wisdom, as instructed in Proverbs 22:6 and Deuteronomy 6:7.
What is the ultimate goal of discipline, according to this verse?
The ultimate goal of discipline is to drive foolishness far from the child, that they may walk in wisdom and fear of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of foolishness do I see in my own life that need to be driven out through discipline and guidance?
- How can I, as a parent or caregiver, balance discipline with love and compassion, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11?
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word and from wise mentors, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and 22:17?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principles of this verse to my relationships with children, whether as a parent, teacher, or mentor?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child,.... That is, sin, the greatest of all folly; this is naturally in the heart of man; it is in the heart of a child, it is in him from his infancy; it is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
Is bound; is fixed and settled there, as being born with him, and rooted in his very nature, and not plucked up without great difficulty and diligence. The rod of correction shall drive it far from him; the smart of punishment makes him weary of his sin, and watchful against it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.Ver. 15. Foolishness is bound in the heart, &c.] As a pack or fardle is bound to a horse’ s back. Error and folly be the knots of Satan, wherewith he ties children to the stake to be burnt in hell. Better see their brains dashed out against the stones, saith one, than suffer the ignorance of God to abide in their heads. Therefore, that we may loose the bands of death and works of the devil, parents must bring their sons in their arms, and their daughters upon their shoulders, to the house of God, that they may learn to know him. They must also see to their profiting, and exact of them a daily growth, "nurturing," as well as nourishing them, - the one being as needful as the other, - and using the rod where words will not do; so to chase away that evil by chastisement, seasoned with admonition, and seconded with prayer, that else will prove pernicious to their souls. Eli brought up his sons to bring down his house. David’ s sons were undone by their father’ s fondness. A fair hand, we say, makes a foul wound. Correction is a kind of cure, saith Aristotle; and God usually blesseth it to that purpose.
"Corrections of instructions are the way of life." Iατρειατιςηπαιδεια.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:15
15. bound] Better, bound up, R.V. Comp., for the force of the Heb. word, Genesis 44:30.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:15
15. Foolishness — Probably meaning perverseness, rather than folly. Ignorance, weakness, inclination to evil, corruption of heart, are maladies which accompany all men from their birth.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) God's House - a Three Story Building by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of building a godly life, home, and church, illustrating that the foundation of our lives must be rooted in the understanding of God's immense |
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(Biblical Family) Child Training by Voddie Baucham | In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of training and teaching others to preach the word of God effectively. He encourages a hands-on approach, where the speaker act |
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Spirit Filled Family by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a garden to illustrate the importance of putting effort into a marriage. He emphasizes the need for constant communication and teach |
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(Godly Home) Part 14 - the Bondage of Foolishness by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of a child's behavior rather than just addressing the surface-level actions. They highlight t |
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(Basics) 52. Responsibilities of Parents and Children by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children to obey the commandment of honoring their father and mother. He advises against punishing children for ac |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |