<< Proverbs 19:18 >>

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Discipline your son while there is still hope. Do not be the one responsible for his death.

King James Bible
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Jump to Previous Occurrence
Chasten Chastise Crying Death Desire Destruction Discipline Heart Hope Killing Lift Nd Party Purposing Soul Spare Training Willing

Jump to Next Occurrence
Chasten Chastise Crying Death Desire Destruction Discipline Heart Hope Killing Lift Nd Party Purposing Soul Spare Training Willing

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Verse 18

Parents are here cautioned against a foolish indulgence of their children that are untoward and viciously inclined, and that discover such an ill temper of mind as is not likely to be cured but by severity. 1. Do not say that it is all in good time to correct them; no, as soon as ever there appears a corrupt disposition in them check it immediately, before it gets head, and takes root, and is hardened into a habit: Chasten thy son while there is hope, for perhaps, if he be let alone awhile, he will be past hope, and a much greater chastening will not do that which now a less would effect. It is easiest plucking up weeds as soon as they spring up, and the bullock that is designed for the yoke should be betimes accustomed to it. 2. Do not say that it is a pity to correct them, and that, because they cry and beg to be forgiven, you cannot find in your heart to do it. If the point can be gained without correction, well and good; but if you find, as it often proves, that your forgiving them once, upon a dissembled repentance and promise of amendment, does but embolden them to offend again, especially if it be a thing that is in itself sinful (as lying, swearing, ribaldry, stealing, or the like), in such a case put on resolution, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. It is better that he should cry under thy rod than under the sword of the magistrate, or, which is more fearful, that of divine vengeance.

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org.

GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.

Alphabetical: a And be death desire Discipline do for his hope in is not party son that there to while willing your

Bible Browser