Proverbs 29:15
Proverbs 29:15 in Multiple Translations
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother.
Discipline and correction provide wisdom, but a son left undisciplined is an embarrassment to his mother.
The rodde and correction giue wisdome: but a childe set a libertie, maketh his mother ashamed.
A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother.
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.
If children are punished/spanked and reproved/warned, they become wise; but if they are allowed to do whatever they want to do, they do things that cause their mothers to be ashamed of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:15
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 29:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֵׁ֣בֶט
וְ֭/תוֹכַחַת
יִתֵּ֣ן
חָכְמָ֑ה
וְ/נַ֥עַר
מְ֝שֻׁלָּ֗ח
מֵבִ֥ישׁ
אִמּֽ/וֹ
שֵׁ֣בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
וְ֭/תוֹכַחַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
Conj | N-fs
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/נַ֥עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Conj | N-ms
מְ֝שֻׁלָּ֗ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Pual-Inf-c
מֵבִ֥ישׁ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Hiphil
אִמּֽ/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:15
שֵׁ֣בֶט
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.
וְ֭/תוֹכַחַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
"rebuke"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.
Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/נַ֥עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Conj | 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.
מְ֝שֻׁלָּ֗ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מֵבִ֥ישׁ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Hiphil
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
אִמּֽ/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:15
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
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. 17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:1 | The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:25 | A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
| 4 | Proverbs 22:15 | Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 13:24 | He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. |
| 6 | Proverbs 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. |
| 7 | Proverbs 17:21 | A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Proverbs 10:5 | He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. |
Proverbs 29:15 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 29:15, reminds us that children need guidance and discipline to learn and grow, just like a plant needs pruning to thrive. When parents provide loving correction, their children are more likely to develop wisdom and make good choices, as seen in Proverbs 22:6. On the other hand, if children are left to their own devices without guidance, they may make poor decisions and bring shame to their families, as warned in Proverbs 29:15. By following God's example of loving discipline, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11, parents can help their children become wise and responsible adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'rod of correction' in Proverbs 29:15 mean?
The 'rod of correction' refers to a tool used for guiding and disciplining children, symbolizing the importance of parental guidance and correction in a child's life, as also seen in Proverbs 22:15 and Proverbs 23:13-14.
Is it true that a child left to himself will always disgrace his mother?
While Proverbs 29:15 states that a child left to himself disgraces his mother, it is not a guarantee, but rather a warning of the potential consequences of lack of parental guidance, as emphasized in Ephesians 6:1-4 and Colossians 3:20-21.
How can parents balance discipline and love in their child-rearing?
Parents can balance discipline and love by following the example of God's love and discipline, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11, and by being mindful of their own emotions and actions, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:6 and Psalm 127:3-5.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
Proverbs 29:15 is part of a larger section emphasizing the importance of justice, fairness, and discipline, as seen in Proverbs 29:13-14 and Proverbs 29:16-17, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal and societal responsibility.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of the 'rod of correction' in my own life, whether as a parent or as a child of God?
- How can I ensure that I am not 'leaving myself to myself', but rather seeking guidance and correction from God and others?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a balance between discipline and love in my relationships, particularly with my own children or loved ones?
- What are some potential consequences of not providing adequate guidance and discipline in a child's life, and how can I learn from these warnings?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom,.... Are the means of giving wisdom to a child, reproved by its parent with the rod; and of driving out foolishness from him, and of making him wiser for the time to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. The rod and reproof give wisdom (Proverbs 22:15): but a child left (to himself) bringeth his mother to shame.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof; correction and instruction going together. Left to himself; suffered to follow his own will or lusts without restraint and chastening. His mother, and father too; but he names only the mother, either because her indulgence oft spoils the child, or because children commonly stand in least awe of their mothers, and abuse the weakness of their sex, and tenderness of their natures.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.Ver. 15. The rod and reproof give wisdom.] If reproof do the deed, the rod may be spared, and not else. Chrysippus is by some cried out upon as the first that brought the use of a rod into the schools; but there is no doing without it; for children are foolish, apt to imitate others in their vices, before they know them to be vices; and though better taught, yet easily corrupted by evil company, as young lapwings are soon snatched up by every buzzard. Now, therefore, as moths are beaten out of garments with a rod, so must vices out of children’ s hearts. Vexatio dat intellectum: Smart makes wit; it is put in with the rod of correction. See Proverbs 22:15. But a child left to himself bringeth his mother, &c.] For her fondness in cockering of him, and hiding his faults from his father, lest he should correct or cashier him. Mothers have a main hand in education of the children, and usually partus sequitur ventrem, the birth follows the belly, as we see in the kings of Judah, whose mothers are therefore frequently nominated. No wonder, therefore, though the mother deeply share in the shame and grief of her darling’ s miscarriages. See Proverbs 15:20.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:15
15. left to himself] Comp. 1 Kings 1:6.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:15
Left to himself - The condition of one who has been pampered and indulged.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:15
15. Left to himself — πςψ, (na’har,) a boy permitted to go where he pleases; or ξωׁ ?μη, (meshullahh,) sent forth without parental control, neglected, uncontrolled. Such a child will bring disgrace upon his family.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Keeping the Hearts of Your Children by Ann Brubaker | In this sermon, the speaker explores the importance of building relationships and communicating love to children. The speaker uses the example of a child named Johnny to illustrate |
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12 the Rod Is Love by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of balancing love and discipline in parenting, focusing on the biblical perspective of using the rod to correct children with love. It highlig |
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15. the Bondage of Foolishness by Denny Kenaston | This sermon delves into the concept of the 'bondage of foolishness' as described in Proverbs 22:15, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of ch |
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Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience, both in the family and in our relationship with God. It highlights the consequences of deferred obedience, irresponsible parenti |
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14. the Training of the Will by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of training a child's will from a young age, focusing on obedience as the foundation for a prosperous spiritual life. It highlights the signif |
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13 a Sacred Exercise by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving discipline in parenting, highlighting the need for parents to approach spanking as a sacred exercise done in love and compassion. It |