Strike him with a rodThis phrase refers to the use of physical discipline as a means of correction. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the rod was a common tool for shepherds to guide and correct their sheep, symbolizing authority and discipline. The use of the rod in Proverbs is metaphorical, emphasizing the importance of corrective discipline in guiding a child towards wisdom and righteousness. This aligns with other biblical teachings on discipline, such as
Proverbs 13:24, which states that sparing the rod is akin to hating one's child. The rod is not intended to harm but to instruct and correct, reflecting God's discipline of His children (
Hebrews 12:6).
and you will deliver his soul from Sheol
Sheol in the Old Testament is often understood as the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from God. Delivering a soul from Sheol implies saving someone from a path leading to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. The emphasis here is on the eternal consequences of a life lived without discipline and wisdom. By correcting a child, a parent plays a crucial role in guiding them away from destructive behaviors that could lead to spiritual ruin. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where discipline is seen as a means of producing righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:11). The ultimate deliverance from Sheol is found in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and eternal life, rescuing believers from the power of death and separation from God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and guidance.
2.
SheolIn Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from God. It is often used to describe the grave or the afterlife.
3.
The ChildThe verse refers to a child who is being disciplined. In the context of Proverbs, this represents anyone under the guidance and authority of a parent or mentor.
Teaching Points
The Purpose of DisciplineDiscipline is not about punishment but about correction and guidance. It aims to steer the child away from destructive paths and towards righteousness.
Deliverance from SheolThe ultimate goal of discipline is to save the child from spiritual death and separation from God. It is a preventative measure to ensure their eternal well-being.
The Rod as a SymbolThe "rod" symbolizes authority and correction. It is not necessarily a literal tool but represents the broader concept of setting boundaries and enforcing consequences.
Balancing Love and CorrectionTrue love involves setting limits and correcting behavior. Discipline should be administered with love and care, not anger or frustration.
Parental ResponsibilityParents have a God-given responsibility to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. This involves teaching, correcting, and modeling godly behavior.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:14?
2.How does Proverbs 23:14 emphasize the importance of discipline for children?
3.What does "save his soul from Sheol" imply about parental responsibility?
4.How can Proverbs 23:14 guide Christian parents in disciplining their children?
5.What other scriptures support the concept of discipline found in Proverbs 23:14?
6.How can you apply Proverbs 23:14 to modern parenting challenges?
7.How does Proverbs 23:14 align with modern views on discipline and child-rearing?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 23:14?
9.How do archaeological findings support the teachings in Proverbs 23:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23?
11.What are the Bible's teachings on spanking children?
12.Proverbs 23:13-14 advises using a rod for discipline; how does this align with modern views on child welfare?
13.How can Proverbs 13:24's endorsement of the 'rod' in disciplining children be reconciled with current ethical and psychological objections to corporal punishment?
14.What are the torments of Sheol?What Does Proverbs 23:14 Mean
Strike himDiscipline is an act of love, not anger.Proverbs 13:24 reminds us, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” God Himself models this loving correction—“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6). The goal is restoration and growth, never harm. Parents, guardians, and mentors therefore:
• Correct promptly rather than let sin take root.
• Keep the heart calm; discipline loses value if anger drives it (Ephesians 6:4).
with a rodThe “rod” is a tangible tool of correction. Scripture uses it often (Proverbs 22:15; 10:13) to picture measured, physical discipline that sets clear boundaries. Note the safeguards:
• It is purposeful, not abusive.
• It is age-appropriate, neither harsh nor humiliating.
• It is coupled with instruction, explaining both wrongdoing and the right way forward.
and you will deliverGod ties faithful discipline to rescue.James 5:19-20 shows a similar pattern: bringing back a wanderer “will save his soul from death.” The parent isn’t venting frustration; he or she is partnering with God to pull a child back from danger. In practice this means:
• Consistency—sporadic correction confuses; steadfast discipline guides.
• Hope—discipline looks beyond the moment to the child’s future walk with Christ.
• Prayerful dependence—asking God to use every act of correction to shape a tender conscience.
his soulThe verse shifts focus from the body to the inner person. What matters most is not mere outward compliance but inward transformation. Jesus asks, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Effective discipline therefore:
• Aims at heart change, not just behavior modification.
• Teaches repentance and forgiveness, mirroring the gospel.
• Cultivates reverence for God, preparing the child for lifelong faith (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
from Sheol“Sheol” represents the grave and, by extension, eternal separation from God.Proverbs 15:24 contrasts it with the “path of life,” whilePsalm 16:10 celebrates God’s power to keep His people from it. Through godly discipline, parents steer children toward that path of life which culminates in the salvation offered in Christ (John 3:16). Discipline, then, is evangelistic: it points the child away from destruction and toward eternal hope.
summaryProverbs 23:14 teaches that loving, measured discipline is God’s means of rescuing children from the destructive course of sin. Striking with the “rod” is not cruelty but restorative correction that safeguards the soul, guiding the next generation toward life in Christ and away from the ruin of Sheol.
(14)
And shalt deliver his soul from hell--i.e.,Hades, the abode of the dead (
Isaiah 14:9), death being the punishment of sin, and long life the reward of well-doing (
Proverbs 3:2).
Verse 14. -
Shalt deliver his soulfrom hell (
sheol);
de inferno, Vulgate;
ἐκ θανάτου, Septuagint. Premature death was regarded as a punishment of sin, as long life was the reward of righteousness. Proper discipline preserves a youth not only from many material dangers incident to unbridled passions, but saves him from spiritual death, the decay and destruction of grace here, and the retribution that awaits the sinner in another world (comp. Ecclus, 30:1-12).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Strike himתַּכֶּ֑נּוּ(tak·ken·nū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221:To strikewith a rod,בַּשֵּׁ֣בֶט(baš·šê·ḇeṭ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626:Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribeand you will deliverתַּצִּֽיל׃(taṣ·ṣîl)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5337:To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliverhis soulוְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ(wə·nap̄·šōw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionfrom Sheol.מִשְּׁא֥וֹל(miš·šə·’ō·wl)Preposition-m | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7585:Underworld (place to which people descend at death)
Links
Proverbs 23:14 NIVProverbs 23:14 NLTProverbs 23:14 ESVProverbs 23:14 NASBProverbs 23:14 KJV
Proverbs 23:14 BibleApps.comProverbs 23:14 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 23:14 Chinese BibleProverbs 23:14 French BibleProverbs 23:14 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:14 Punish him with the rod and save (Prov. Pro Pr) 
