² If a son is disciplined, he will be of some use, and his father can boast of him to his friends.

⁷ But anyone who spoils his son will have to bandage his wounds.^[a] His heart will stop every time he hears a shout. ⁸ An untamed horse is going to be stubborn, and an undisciplined son is no different. ⁹ If you pamper your child and play with him, he will be a disappointment and a source of grief. ¹⁰ Laugh with him now, and one day you will have to cry over him, grinding your teeth in regret. ¹¹ Don't give him freedom while he is young, and don't overlook what he does wrong. ¹² Whip him while he is still a child, and make him respect your authority. If you don't, he will be stubborn and disobedient and cause you nothing but sorrow. ¹³ So discipline your son and give him work to do, or else he will be an embarrassment to you.