11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son,
and do not loathe his discipline;(A)
12 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.(B)

Read full chapter

11 My son, do not reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not despise his correction,
12 because the Lord corrects the person he loves,
    just as a father corrects[a] the son he delights in.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:12 The Heb. lacks corrects
  2. Proverbs 3:12 So MT; LXX reads loves, and he punishes every son he accepts

17 The one who follows instruction is on the path to life,
but the one who rejects correction goes astray.(A)

Read full chapter

17 Whoever heeds correction is on the pathway to life,
    but someone who ignores exhortation goes astray.

Read full chapter

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.(A)

Read full chapter

Wisdom and Wickedness Contrasted

12 The person who loves correction loves knowledge,
but anyone who hates a rebuke is stupid.

Read full chapter

18 Poverty and disgrace come to those
who ignore discipline,
but the one who accepts correction will be honored.(A)

Read full chapter

18 Poverty and shame are for those who ignore correction,
    but whoever listens to instruction gains honor.

Read full chapter

24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son,(A)
but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.(B)

Read full chapter

24 Whoever does not discipline[a] his son hates him,
    but whoever loves him is diligent to correct him.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:24 Lit. Whoever spares the rod

A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.(A)

Read full chapter

A fool rejects his father’s instructions,
    but anyone who respects[a] reproof acts sensibly.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:5 Lit. keeps

10 Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.

Read full chapter

10 Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path—
    anyone who despises reproof will die.

Read full chapter

12 A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;(A)
he will not consult the wise.

Read full chapter

12 The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him;
    he will not inquire of[a] the wise.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:12 Lit. not go to

32 Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,(A)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.[a](B)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 15:32 Lit acquires a heart

32 Whoever ignores instruction hates himself,
    but anyone who heeds reproof gains understanding.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:32 Lit. heart

18 Discipline your son while there is hope;
don’t set your heart on being the cause of his death.[a](A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 19:18 Lit don’t lift up your soul to his death

18 Discipline your son while there is still hope—
    but don’t set your heart on his destruction.

Read full chapter

30 Lashes and wounds purge away evil,(A)
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 20:30 Lit beatings the chambers of the belly

30 Blows that wound clean away evil;
    such beatings cleanse[a] the innermost being.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:30 The Heb. lacks cleanse

Start a youth out on his way;(A)
even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

Read full chapter

Train a child in the way appropriate for him,
    and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.

Read full chapter