Translations
F.O.G.MPrimary
F.O.G MessageDiscipline and correction produce wisdom, but a child left to run wild brings his mother to shame.
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.GThe rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child let loose brings shame upon his mother.
KJV
King James VersionThe rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleA rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
Footnotes
*Shevet* ('rod') is the shepherd's staff — an instrument of guidance and correction, not merely punishment. *Tokhaḥat* ('reproof') is verbal correction, the spoken word of rebuke. Together they form a complete pedagogy: embodied consequence paired with instructive word. *Na'ar meshulaḥ* ('a child let loose/released') uses the same root as *shalach* — to send, to release, to set free — often in the sense of dismissal or abandonment. Notably it is the *mother* who bears the shame, honouring her central role in the child's formation. FOG uses 'let loose' to preserve the release image; FOG Message uses 'run wild' for emotional vividness.