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Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_22_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:15 - A Good Name" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/22-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/22-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm" title="Proverbs 22:14">◄</a> Proverbs 22:15 <a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm" title="Proverbs 22:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness <i>is</i> bound in the heart of a child; <i>but</i> the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Foolishness <i>is</i> bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of discipline will separate it from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth; the rod of discipline will drive it away from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Foolishness is firmly attached to a child's heart. Spanking will remove it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A child's heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline drives it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a youth, "" The rod of discipline puts it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Folly is bound up in the heart of a youth, The rod of chastisement putteth it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Folly being bound in the heart of a youth; the rod of correction shall remove it far off from him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of correction shall drive it away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Foolishness has been bound to the heart of a child, and a rod of discipline shall cause it to flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Folly is bound to the heart of a youth, but the rod of discipline will drive it out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Foolishness moves the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Senselessness disturbs the heart of a boy and a rod of discipline puts it far from him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Folly is attached to the heart of a child, but the rod and instruction are <i>then</i> far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4486" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">A Good Name</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ’iw·we·leṯ (N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">Foolishness</a> <a href="/hebrew/7194.htm" title="7194: qə·šū·rāh (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To bind, league together, conspire. A primitive root: to tie, physically or mentally.">is bound up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: ḇə·leḇ- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">in the heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: nā·‘ar (N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">of a child,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šê·ḇeṭ (N-msc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">but the rod</a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: mū·sār (N-ms) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">of discipline</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: yar·ḥî·qen·nāh (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">drives it far</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a></span><br />He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a></span><br />A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a></span><br />Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Hebrews 12:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Proverbs 29:17</a></span><br />Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-5.htm">Deuteronomy 8:5</a></span><br />So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Proverbs 10:13</a></span><br />Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Proverbs 15:5</a></span><br />A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Proverbs 20:30</a></span><br />Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Proverbs 26:3</a></span><br />A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.</p><p class="hdg">foolishness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-4.htm">Job 14:4</a></b></br> Who can bring a clean <i>thing</i> out of an unclean? not one.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-5.htm">Psalm 51:5</a></b></br> Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-6.htm">John 3:6</a></b></br> That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a></b></br> He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a></b></br> Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13,14</a></b></br> Withhold not correction from the child: for <i>if</i> thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/8-29.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Correction</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Deep-Seated</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-26.htm">Drives</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Far</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-8.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Correction</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Deep-Seated</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-19.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-8.htm">Drives</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Far</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child</b><br />The Hebrew word for "foolishness" is "אִוֶּלֶת" (ivveleth), which conveys a sense of moral and spiritual deficiency rather than mere lack of knowledge. In the ancient Near Eastern context, "foolishness" often implied a rejection of wisdom and a tendency towards sinful behavior. The phrase "bound up" suggests that this foolishness is deeply ingrained or tied to the child's nature. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Thus, this phrase acknowledges the inherent sin nature present from a young age, a concept consistent with the doctrine of original sin in conservative Christian theology. It underscores the need for guidance and correction to steer a child towards righteousness.<p><b>but the rod of discipline</b><br />The "rod" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet) in ancient Israelite culture was a symbol of authority and correction. It was used by shepherds to guide and protect their sheep, and metaphorically, it represents the parental responsibility to guide children. "Discipline" (מוּסָר, musar) involves instruction, correction, and training in righteousness. In the biblical context, discipline is not merely punitive but is intended to teach and cultivate wisdom and moral integrity. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God disciplines those He loves (<a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>), emphasizing that discipline is an act of love and care.<p><b>will drive it far from him</b><br />The phrase "will drive it far" suggests a forceful removal or separation. The Hebrew verb "רָחַק" (rachaq) implies creating distance or removing something undesirable. In this context, it indicates that proper discipline has the power to remove foolishness from a child's heart, leading them towards wisdom and godliness. This reflects the transformative potential of discipline when applied with love and consistency. The ultimate goal is not merely behavior modification but heart transformation, aligning with the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.</span>--Self-will is meant. (See above on <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.">Proverbs 1:7</a>.) Children have to be taught to yield their wills to others.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.</span> Foolishness (<span class="accented">ivveleth</span>) here implies the love of mischief, the waywardness and self-will, belonging to children, bound up in their very nature. Septuagint, "Folly is attached (<span class="greek">ἐξῆπται</span>) to the heart of the young," in which version Cornelius a Lapide sees an allusion to the ornament hung by fond parents round the neck of a child whom they were inclined to spoil rather than to train in self-denying ways. To such a child folly adheres as closely as the <span class="accented">bulla</span> with which he is decorated. But <span class="cmt_word">the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.</span> Judicious education overcomes this natural tendency, by punishing it when exhibited, and imparting wisdom and piety (see on Proverbs 13:24 and Proverbs 19:18; and comp. <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13</a>; <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a>; Ecclus. 30:1, etc). The LXX. pursue their notion of the the indulgent parents letting the child have his own way, for they render the last clause, "But the rod and discipline are far from him." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Foolishness</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֭וֶּלֶת</span> <span class="translit">(’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] bound up</span><br /><span class="heb">קְשׁוּרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(qə·šū·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7194.htm">Strong's 7194: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, league</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the heart</span><br /><span class="heb">בְלֶב־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·leḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a child,</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֑עַר</span> <span class="translit">(nā·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but] the rod</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֥בֶט</span> <span class="translit">(šê·ḇeṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of discipline</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֝וּסָ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(mū·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will drive it far</span><br /><span class="heb">יַרְחִיקֶ֥נָּה</span> <span class="translit">(yar·ḥî·qen·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from him.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>