Proverbs 19:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Discipline children while they are young and can still change; don't hesitate out of sympathy for their tears.
The Context of Proverbs 19:18
Timely discipline shapes children while they are still receptive.
What Does Proverbs 19:18 Mean?
The verse calls parents to discipline, but with a crucial time limit: 'while there is hope.' The formative years are the window for shaping behavior and character. Once a child grows and habits harden, discipline becomes far less effective. The parent must act during the season of malleability, even though it is emotionally difficult.
The phrase 'let not thy soul spare for his crying' is stark: don't avoid discipline because your child's tears pain you. Compassion for a child's immediate suffering can become cruelty if it allows destructive patterns to root. The verse challenges parents to move beyond sentiment to wisdom, understanding that true love sometimes requires the temporary pain of correction for the sake of the child's long-term flourishing.
Proverbs 19:18 in the Original Language
Yasar (יָסַר), 'chasten' — to correct, instruct through discipline; the goal is formation of wisdom, not mere punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 19:18
What does Proverbs 19:18 mean?
Discipline children while they are young and can still change; don't hesitate out of sympathy for their tears.
What is the context of Proverbs 19:18?
Timely discipline shapes children while they are still receptive.