Proverbs 23:13
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
– Proverbs 23:13
Verses 13 and 14 form the next wisdom saying. The word for withhold means to hold back, or keep back. The implication is something being owed or due. In this case, correction is due and the word means chastisement, but can also be put figuratively for discipline broadly. Parents bear the responsibility in the discipline of a child, which involves instruction, correction, reproof, and the rod. To withhold is to defraud the child. Proverbs clearly teaches wisdom is not natural or innate to us. The most hopeful training is started early because a child is not only naturally ignorant, but naturally foolish (Proverbs 22:15). Words alone are not enough to deliver us from our inborn folly (Proverbs 29:15).
The explanation of the second phrase reinforces the need for the rod, though the rod is not the only tool, nor always the best tool. I like the way Robert Deffinbaugh put it: “Correction—yes. The paddle—perhaps. Discipline—always. The rod—sometimes.” 1 Parents have the responsibility for the instruction and correction of their children. The child grows and will either respond to the correction and grow in wisdom, or will reject the correction, be cemented in folly, and be a grief and shame to his parents (Proverbs 10:5; 12:1; 13:1; 15:5; 17:25; 19:26; 29:15).
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Notes:
- Robert Deffinbaugh. The Way of Wise (Kindle Locations 3449-3450). Galaxie Software. Kindle Edition. ↩
Proverbs 23:12
Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
– Proverbs 23:12
The word for apply means to enter and signifies the deliberate pursuit of instruction and knowledge. The word for instruction means discipline. It is a holistic view of training, including both positive instruction and correction. The word for knowledge means understanding and positively refers to the truth about God. Wisdom teaches we have to lean into the instruction and correction of wisdom in order to acquire wisdom. Wisdom teaches us not to follow our hearts but rather to apply our hearts to seek out the wisdom of God (Proverbs 2:2-6; 5:1-2; 22:17).
Proverbs 23:11
For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
– Proverbs 23:11
This verse adds the consequential warning for the command, “Remove not the old landmark,” in verse 10. The warning has primarily to do with theft and oppression of the poor. The word for redeemer means next of kin and we sometimes refer to kinsman redeemer. A near kinsman was an advocate and deliverer by the law. Sometimes this might be through relieving the suffering of poor relatives (Leviticus 25:25; Ruth 3:12-13). The redeemer might also be the avenger of blood (Number 35:19). Yahweh is the ultimate redeemer who will defend the weak and exact justice (Proverbs 22:23; Exodus 22:22-24). Wisdom teaches us to be mindful of this, though the poor are easily taken advantage of.
Proverbs 23:10
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
– Proverbs 23:10
The old landmark refers to the boundary markers that were set to apportion the land inheritance to the tribes and families throughout Israel. The word for old means time out of mind, referring to antiquity. The saying accords with the setting of landmarks by “thy fathers” in Proverbs 22:28. The law forbade moving or removing those landmarks so as to encroach on the inheritance of another (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17). The old landmark is here tied to the fields of the fatherless, which is the focus of the saying. Wisdom teaches with the law against the oppressing, defrauding, extorting, or otherwise afflicted the weak, i.e., widows and fatherless (Jeremiah 22:3; Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5; James 1:27).
Proverbs 23:9
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
– Proverbs 23:9
Verse 9 stands alone, though it complements the pearls-before-swine aspect of the previous group. To speak … in the ears is to make a direct address. It refers to a direct word of reproof, counsel, or instruction. The word for fool is the most common in Proverbs and refers to a stupid and obstinate person. Their problem is not ignorance, or lack of information, but rather the hate and rejection of wisdom (Proverbs 1:22). Words of wisdom are lost on fools and gain only hatred for the speaker of them (Proverbs 9:7-8; 15:12).
Proverbs 23:8
The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
– Proverbs 23:8
Verse 8 gives the result of evil-eyed hospitality. In a word, all is a waste. The rich food is purged and gracious words are lost. No progress has been made, nor friendship forged. No mutual edification has happened. It reminds one of Jesus’ warning against casting “pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). Wisdom teaches the right use of words and warns they can be wasted (Proverbs 10:8; 12:15; 15:5; 17:10; 29:19).
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
– Proverbs 23:7
Verse 7 gives explanation for the warning in verse 6. The verse continues from the previous statement and is considering the man with an evil eye. Begrudging hospitality is hypocritical and deceptive. The evil eyed host says one thing and thinks another. The dainty meats phrase from verse 6 hints at the host being well off and therefore having such rich food to offer. Wisdom knows it’s better to be in company with an honest and kind man, though his cupboards are bare (Proverbs 19:22).
Proverbs 23:6
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
– Proverbs 23:6
Verses 6-8 teach wariness to begrudging hospitality. The man with an evil eye is a stingy begrudging host. The figure of the evil eye consistently describes a person greedy of gain, so they are not generous, are grasping, and are also described as in a hurry to be rich (Proverbs 28:22). The evil eye is contrasted with the bountiful eye of the generous giver and sharer (Proverbs 22:9). This figure is used consistently elsewhere, as in the parable with the greedy laborers (Matthew 20:15). They begrudged the generosity of the master (Matthew 20:10-15). Jesus also used the figure in the Sermon on the Mount, warning of the internal darkness of the soul of the man with an evil eye (Matthew 6:22-23). Wisdom here teaches to discern the evil eye and refuse what such a man offers.
Proverbs 23:14
Posted by Jeff Short on April 20, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
– Proverbs 23:14
Verse 14 continues the saying on the necessity and benefit of corporal punishment. Words are not enough to dislodge folly (Proverbs 22:15). The word for deliver means to snatch away and gives a picture of rescue. It’s easy to connect this deliverance with the design of wise instruction and correction to deliver from evil men and strange women who are on the way to sheol (Proverbs 1:29-33; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18).
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