Proverbs 23:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not refuse to discipline children; discipline will not destroy them.
The Context of Proverbs 23:13
Foundational principle: correction is necessary for children's formation.
What Does Proverbs 23:13 Mean?
The verse advocates for correction as a necessary act of care, using rod as a symbol of authority and consequence. The assurance that the child will not die addresses a parent's fear that discipline might be too harsh; rather, the absence of correction threatens the child's moral development more than reasonable discipline does.
In the ancient context, the rod represented the boundaries and accountability that shape character. The verse positions correction not as cruelty but as a form of protection—it teaches the child to respect limits and guides them away from paths that lead to ruin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:13
What does Proverbs 23:13 mean?
Do not refuse to discipline children; discipline will not destroy them.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:13?
Foundational principle: correction is necessary for children's formation.