Wisdom on the lips: Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. The discerning person speaks wisdom (chochma nimtzet). The fool requires the rod (shebet), physical discipline. This indicates that correction methods differ based on the person's capacity to learn. The wise person learns through instruction; the fool requires more basic forms of discipline. This justifies corporal punishment as a necessary means of shaping the fool toward learning.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse