Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Cross-references

Proverbs 13:24 emphasizes loving discipline with the rod, directly complementing the 'rod of discipline' that drives folly away.

In Proverbs 23:13, the same rod discipline is urged: withhold not correction, for it won't kill the child.

In Proverbs 23:14, striking with the rod saves the child's soul from death — reinforcing the life-giving effect of discipline.

In Proverbs 29:15, the rod and reproof give wisdom, while a neglected child brings shame — echoing the same principle.

In Proverbs 29:17, disciplining a son brings rest and delight — showing the positive outcome of the rod.

Proverbs 20:30 expands on the 'rod of discipline' — physical punishment purges evil, echoing the cure for childish folly.

Proverbs 20:11 shows a child's actions reveal character, linking to the innate folly that discipline drives away.

In Hebrews 12:11, discipline is painful but yields righteousness — affirming the proverb's promise that the rod drives folly away.

Psalm 51:5 Parallel

Psalm 51:5 declares sinfulness from conception, directly echoing the 'folly bound up' in a child's heart.

Ephesians 2:3 Related theme

Ephesians 2:3 says we are by nature objects of wrath, aligning with the 'folly bound up' in a child's heart as inherent sinfulness.

1 Kings 1:6 Historical context

In 1 Kings 1:6, David never disciplined Adonijah, leading to his rebellious ambition — the negative example of withholding the rod.

Hebrews 12:7 frames discipline as a sign of sonship, paralleling the corrective rod that drives folly from a child.

Ephesians 6:4 calls for bringing up children in training and instruction, complementing the use of the rod to drive folly away.

Mark 7:22 Parallel

Mark 7:22 lists 'folly' among evils from the heart, directly echoing the 'folly bound up in the heart of a child'.

In Hebrews 12:10, earthly fathers discipline as they see fit, but God disciplines for holiness — contrasting human rod discipline with divine purpose.

Matthew 15:19 locates evil in the heart, paralleling the innate folly in a child's heart that discipline corrects.

Psalm 58:3 Parallel

In Psalm 58:3, the wicked go astray from birth, paralleling the innate folly in a child's heart from Proverbs.

Job 14:4 Related theme

Job 14:4 asks who can bring pure from impure, affirming innate sinfulness—the same 'folly bound up' in a child's heart.

Deuteronomy 21:18 Historical context

In Deuteronomy 21:18, a stubborn son who rejects discipline despite the rod shows the limit of correction — a case study of the proverb's principle.

Revelation 3:19 shows Christ's loving discipline, mirroring the corrective rod that removes folly from a child's heart.

John 3:6 Related theme

John 3:6 contrasts flesh-born flesh with Spirit-born spirit, connecting to the natural folly of a child needing discipline and rebirth.