"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him" (22:15). What does the saying say, and what doesn't it?

The saying has two halves. The first says what is in a child's heart: "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child" (22:15) (tap Folly, child). The second half says what drives the folly away: "the rod of discipline drives it far from him" (22:15). Discipline is musar, the word of "My son, listen to your father’s instruction" (Proverbs 1:8) (tap rod, discipline). The notes on Proverbs 13 look at "One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him" (Proverbs 13:24), and the book speaks of the rod again (Proverbs 23:13-14, 29:15). These notes explain 22:15 only from its own words; they don't apply it to any modern practice, law or debate, or say how anyone should discipline a child. If this saying touches anyone harmed at home, make room to talk, and help them find someone they trust to talk to further, such as a pastor or a counselor.