9 Do not speak in the [h]hearing of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of your words.10 Do not move the ancient boundary
Or go into the fields of the fatherless,
11 For their Redeemer is strong;
He will plead their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to discipline
And your ears to words of knowledge.13 Do not hold back discipline from the child,
Although you [i]strike him with the rod, he will not die.
14 You shall [j]strike him with the rod
And rescue his soul from Sheol.15 My son, if your heart is wise,
My own heart also will be glad;
16 And my [k]inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak what is right.
We have a bit of contrast here again with verses 9 & 15-16. Solomon first tells his son, “don’t waste your breath on a fool, you’ll only get disdain and disgust for your efforts.” Not that we don’t try to help someone correct their course, but when it becomes evident they aren’t interested, stop. They may come around in due course, as we hope, even more so if it is someone we care deeply about.
But it shows no wisdom to keep badgering someone who is determined in their pursuit of folly. On the reverse, as parents especially, we should take great delight when we see our children begin to make wise decisions on their own. When their “lips speak what is right.” it is a joyful thing to behold. It doesn’t come easily though, and we see bits of that in between these verses.
Solomon gives some practical advice on helping the needy instead of taking advantage of them, because their Redeemer, that is God, will not ignore it. Rather, Solomon encourages his son to seek discipline and knowledge. Who likes discipline? Especially not a child, but withholding it is the worst option.
Verse 15 & 16 don’t happen by accident, but are the result of intentional and diligent parenting. God disciplines those He loves, so what does it say if we hold back? Or worse, if we just let them do their own thing because we’re too busy? No, we must be involved, and lead by example. The result will make your heart glad, and God’s too!