Proverbs 29:15

New English Translation

¹⁵A rod and reproof^[a] impart^[b] wisdom,
but a child who is unrestrained^[c] brings shame to^[d] his mother.^[e]

Proverbs 29:15 tn The word “rod” is a metonymy of cause, in which the instrument being used to discipline is mentioned in place of the process of disciplining someone. So the expression refers to the process of discipline that is designed to correct someone. Some understand the words “rod and reproof” to form a hendiadys, meaning “a correcting [or, reproving] rod” (cf. NAB, NIV “the rod of correction”).
Proverbs 29:15 tn Heb “gives” (so NAB).
Proverbs 29:15 tn The form is a Pual participle; the form means “to let loose” (from the meaning “to send”; cf. KJV, NIV “left to himself”), and so in this context “unrestrained.”
Proverbs 29:15 sn The Hebrew participle translated “brings shame” is a metonymy of effect; the cause is the unruly and foolish things that an unrestrained child will do.
Proverbs 29:15 sn The focus on the mother is probably a rhetorical variation for the “parent” (e.g., 17:21; 23:24-25) and is not meant to assume that only the mother will do the training and endure the shame for a case like this (e.g., 13:24; 23:13).

Proverbs 29:15

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁵The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.^(A)

¹⁷Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;^[a]
he will bring you^[b] happiness.^[c]

Proverbs 29:17 tn The verb, a Hiphil imperfect with a suffix, could be subordinated to the preceding imperative to form a purpose clause (indirect volitive classification): “that he may give you rest.” The same then could apply to the second part of the verse.
Proverbs 29:17 tn Heb “your soul.” The noun נַפְשֶׁךָ (nafshekha, “your soul”) is a synecdoche of part (= inner soul) for the whole person (= you); see, e.g., Isa 43:4; 51:23; BDB 600 s.v. 4.a.2.
Proverbs 29:17 sn The parallelism of this verse is synthetic; the second half adds the idea of “delight/pleasure” to that of “rest.” So a disciplined child will both relieve anxiety (“give…rest”) and bring happiness to the parents.

¹⁷Discipline your children, and they will give you rest;
they will give delight to your heart.^(A)

New English Translation (NET)

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)