Texts in Conversation
Proverbs emphasizes a positive reflection on discipline, using the image of the rod to stress correction as a sign of devotion. Sirach takes this further, presenting discipline itself as a form of wisdom that shapes character and understanding.
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Proverbs 13:24
Hebrew Bible
22 A good person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous. 23 Abundant food may come from the field of the poor, but it is swept away by injustice. 24 The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves his child is diligent in disciplining him. 25 The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked will be empty.
Date: 6th-3rd Centuries B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
Sirach 22:6
Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus
Deuterocanon
4 A sensible daughter obtains a husband of her own, but one who acts shamefully is a grief to her father. 5 An impudent daughter disgraces father and husband, and is despised by both. 6 Like music in time of mourning is ill-timed conversation, but a thrashing and discipline are at all times wisdom. 9 Whoever teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together, or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber. 10 Whoever tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man; and at the end he will say, "What is it?"
Date: 195-175 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... “My son/child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments” – this is how Proverbs 3 begins with the first verse. In verse 11, “my son/ child” is addressed, anew. The Hebrew text uses the word רסומ in verse 11a ... where it means “to instruct.” There are just as few evidences of it in the Nifal with the meaning of “to let oneself be instructed / taught.” The majority of the evidences of the verb are in the Piel, where it mainly means “to chasten, to rebuke.” The meaning of “to instruct, to educate” is found three times, as is the meaning of “to guide.” Köhler/Baumgartner mainly translate the noun רסומ with “chastisement / discipline” (as in Proverbs 3:11), and in some passages, they translate with “admonition / warning.” In this context, physical chastisement plays an important role: “Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are diligent to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24). “Discipline your children while there is hope; do not set your heart on their destruction” (Proverbs 19:18). “Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away” (Proverbs 22:15). In Proverbs 23:13, it similarly says: “Do not withhold discipline from your children; if you beat them with a rod, they will not die. If you beat them with the rod, you will save their lives from Sheol” (Compare Proverbs 29:1, 17). In Sirach 22:6, a rigorous education is linked to wisdom: “A whipping and discipline are wisdom at any time” (compare Sirach 30:1f.; Psalms of Solomon 3:2; 13:9) ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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