Proverbs 13:24
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”Read in Context
Modern Meaning
What Does “Spare the rod, spoil the child” Mean?
Without discipline, children become unruly.
Biblical Origin
Where Does This Phrase Come From?
Solomon teaches that loving discipline is an expression of parental love, not cruelty. The exact phrase "spare the rod, spoil the child" actually comes from Samuel Butler's 1662 poem Hudibras, but the concept and language derive directly from this proverb.
The phrase appears in Proverbs 13:24 in the King James Version of the Bible, first published in 1611.
Usage Today
How Is It Used Today?
Cited in debates about parenting styles and discipline. The meaning has broadened to any context where leniency is seen as harmful.
The KJV Verse
Proverbs 13:24
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”
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