12 Apply thy heart unto instruction, And thine ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Withhold not correction from the child; [For] if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, And shalt deliver his soul from Sheol. 15 My son, if thy heart be wise, My heart will be glad, even mine: 16 Yea, my heart will rejoice, When thy lips speak right things.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12-16
Commentary on Proverbs 23:12-16
(Read Proverbs 23:12-16)
Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good. And what a comfort it would be, if herein he answered his expectation!