👉 Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this proverb ā itās a really important one about how to handle discipline and guidance with a young person. Hereās what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says āDonāt harshly punish or beat up a child; instead, use gentle correction.ā It's saying that consistent and loving guidance is far better than punishment. Let's unpack the parts: āWithhold not correctionā¦ā ā This means donāt avoid correcting your child. Donāt let them get away with misbehavior without addressing it. āā¦from the childā¦ā ā This refers to the young person youāre dealing with. āā¦for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.ā ā This is the key part! It uses a powerful metaphor: āBeat him with the rodā : This represents gentle and wise correction ā teaching, talking to them, showing them how to do things differently. It's like a firm but loving hand guiding them. āā¦he shall not dieā : This means the child will not suffer harm or negative consequences. Itās about protecting their well-being and preventing them from getting into trouble. So, what does it mean practically? It's a reminder that discipline isnāt always about punishment. Sometimes, gentle guidance is the best way to help a child learn and grow. It emphasizes teaching and showing them how to make better choices. Why is this important? This verse highlights a crucial point in parenting: love and respect are more effective than fear. Fear can be damaging; love and understanding will usually lead to positive change. In short, Proverbs 23:13 encourages parents to use kind guidance instead of harsh punishment ā itās about protecting the child's well-being while teaching them how to be good. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how to apply this principle in a real-life situation?