Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:24, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
American Standard Version
He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
World English Bible version
One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
Proverbs 13:24 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. Proverbs 13:24 (ESV)
Discipline is not something that most people find pleasant. Whether we are the ones receiving discipline, or the ones being disciplined, it is usually painful at the time when it is being received or administered. Yet, the truth is that no one gives discipline just for the sake of it. Instead, it is the result of discipline that people are after.
When a parent disciplines their child, they are not disciplining that child just “for the sake of it.” They are disciplining that child to bring correction to a specific behavior or attitude the child is displaying. When we are still young, we may have difficulty distinguishing between right and wrong and between good and bad behavior. It is the responsibility of the parents, or the older people in the kid’s life, to bring discipline and “train” the child in the correct ways of life.
Any loving parent would want their son or daughter to grow into respectable, well-mannered, and honorable people. One of the primary ways this is achieved is through discipline.
This is why Proverbs 13:24 says that if someone “spares the rod,” they hate their son. The rod is symbolic of discipline. So, if someone does not discipline their son (or daughter), they essentially do not love them enough to correct them, discipline them and raise them in the ways of The Lord.
As the second part of Proverbs 13:24 says, if someone loves their son or daughter, they will be diligent in disciplining them. This may sound contrary to what some people believe because some may say that they love their children so much that they find it difficult to discipline them. This is, however, not correct, as a loving parent will desire more than anything to raise their kids well, and this is primarily achieved through discipline!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:24 to our lives?
If we are a parent, we need to realize what God’s Word says about discipline and being a parent. God’s Word is our standard and our “instruction manual” for successful living. We must drown out the culture’s noise, suggestions, and opinions and follow The Word of God. If God’s Word says that discipline is needed and good, then that is the truth and should be followed if we want godly results.
When The Bible speaks about a “rod,” – it does not necessarily mean that discipline must be an actual rod. The principle is that some form of discipline must be present in a child’s life. A form of discipline needs to be implemented which will work. Perhaps a rod may or may not be the best form of discipline.
If we have people who “discipline” us in some way, shape, or form – we should not despise it. As we grow, things change, and we begin to grow up. Yet, even when we are older, we can still face some form of discipline. This could be in the workplace, or perhaps even a friend who rebukes us for something we have done. We need always to keep a heart attitude of humility in our lives and accept that discipline in its various forms has the potential to yield good fruit. Even God disciplines us as we grow in our walk with Him: Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
Discipline can even be self-imposed and should be part of our everyday lives. If we want to succeed, we should be disciplined in our work ethic, eating plan, exercise regime, and sleeping times. Discipline is something to be embraced in life, not scoffed at! God’s Word teaches us that discipline is healthy and good and should not be neglected.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You that Your Word is a light unto my feet and an instruction manual for successful living. Forgive me for where I may not have embraced discipline in my life as I should.
I pray and ask for Wisdom to apply this word to my circumstance. Help me exercise discipline and self-control in my own life so that I can achieve greater success. I ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
