12 Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. 13 Do not withhold discipline from your children; if you beat them with a rod, they will not die. 14 If you beat them with the rod, you will save their lives from Sheol 15 My child, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. 16 My soul will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 23:12-16
Commentary on Proverbs 23:12-16
(Read Proverbs 23:12-16)
Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good. And what a comfort it would be, if herein he answered his expectation!