Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 22:15
What does Proverbs 22:15 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 22:15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse doesn't just say children are foolish; it states that foolishness is bound in their hearts, implying it's deeply ingrained and hard to remove. It's not a passing phase, but a natural tendency that requires intentional effort, like discipline, to steer them away from it.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings intended to guide people in living a good life. It's nestled within advice that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, particularly in how they handle correction and instruction. The verses immediately before and after this one offer practical counsel on things like avoiding corrupting influences and the dangers of lazy living, all within the larger theme of pursuing wisdom and fearing God.
Ever wondered why kids seem naturally drawn to mischief or making poor choices? The Bible calls it 'folly.'
This verse tells us that "folly is bound up in the heart of a child." This isn't about blaming kids; it's a realistic look at human nature. 'Folly' here isn't just silliness; it encompasses self-will, inclination to mischief, and a bent toward wrong choices. It's deeply ingrained, like it's 'fixed and settled' from birth, a part of our fallen nature that children inherit. This doesn't mean children are inherently evil, but that the tendency toward foolishness is a powerful, natural force within them that needs to be addressed.
The verse mentions the 'rod of correction.' What does this mean for raising kids today, and why is it so vital?
The second part of the verse states that "the rod of discipline drives it far from him." This points to the necessity of correction and training. 'The rod' isn't necessarily about harsh physical punishment, but about consistent, loving discipline that addresses foolishness. The goal of this correction is to "drive it far from him"—to actively curb these natural tendencies and guide children toward wisdom, righteousness, and good decision-making. It’s about shaping character and instilling godly principles, which requires parents to be diligent in teaching and, when necessary, correcting.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
ʾiwwelṯ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to moral foolishness or a lack of spiritual discernment; it is a persistent refusal to heed wisdom and pursue the ways of God.
lēḇ · Hebrew Noun
The seat of the intellect, will, and emotions; it is the center of human moral decision-making and character development.
šēḇeṭ · Hebrew Noun
The staff used by a shepherd for protection and guidance, metaphorically representing corrective instruction, authority, and necessary discipline for growth.
mûsār · Hebrew Noun
Instruction, correction, or chastening intended to guide a person toward maturity and wisdom, often involving firm boundaries or consequences.
This passage echoes Proverbs 22:15 by stating that withholding discipline leads to a child's hatred of their parents, while those who love their children actively discipline them, emphasizing the parental role in guiding children away from folly.
Proverbs 19:18Similar to Proverbs 22:15, this verse directly links discipline to the prevention of foolishness and destruction, urging parents to correct their children while there is still hope, highlighting the active role of correction.
Hebrews 12:10This New Testament passage offers a theological perspective, explaining that God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness, paralleling the idea in Proverbs that correction is ultimately for the child's benefit and drives out what is harmful.
This passage from Sirach (often found in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles) directly discusses the importance of discipline for a child's well-being, stating that anyone who loves their child will whip them often, reinforcing the practical application of Proverbs 22:15 in raising children.
jfbProverbs 22:15: "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."
- is bound—or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime and so leads to reformation of principle.
bensonProverbs 22:15: "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."
Proverbs 22:15 . Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child — Is fixed and settled there, as being born with him, and rooted in his very nature; but the rod, &c., shall drive it far from him — The smart of punishment will make him weary of his sin, and watchful against it. “Ignorance, weakness, inclination to evil, corruption of heart,” says Calmet, “are maladies which accomp…
This verse doesn't just say children are foolish; it states that foolishness is bound in their hearts, implying it's deeply ingrained and hard to remove. It's not a passing phase, but a natural tendency that requires intentional effort, like discipline, to steer them away from it.
This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings intended to guide people in living a good life. It's nestled within advice that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, particularly in how they handle correction and instruction. The verses immediately before and after this one offer practical counsel on things like avoiding corrupting influences and the dangers of lazy living, all within the larger theme of pursuing wisdom and fearing God.
This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings intended to guide people in living a good life. It's nestled within advice that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, particularly in how they handle correction and instruction. The verses immediately before and after this one offer practical counsel on things like avoiding corrupting influences and the dangers of lazy living, all within the larger theme of pursuing wisdom and fearing God.
"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." — This verse doesn't just say children are foolish; it states that foolishness is bound in their hearts, implying it's deeply ingrained and hard to remove. It's not a passing phase, but a natural ten…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026