12 Apply thy heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Withhold not correction from the child; for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall 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 shall rejoice, even mine; 16 and my reins shall exult, 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!