Definition: He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and insightful verse from Proverbs 13:24. It's a really wise piece of advice about how to treat your loved ones. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that kindness and tenderness are important, but firm discipline is necessary when you need to correct someone. It’s not enough to just be gentle; sometimes, you have to gently guide them to right their mistakes. Let's unpack it word by word: “He that spares his rod…” – Think of a rod as a tool or a way of dealing with a problem. "Spares" means to not use it harshly. “…hateth his son” - This means he really doesn’t like being treated poorly, criticized, or ignored. He feels hurt and uncomfortable when someone isn't given the care they need. “But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” – "Chasten" means to gently correct or discipline someone. “Betimes” is a fancy word for "early." This means you should address the issue with them immediately . So, putting it all together: It’s saying that when you love and care for someone, you need to be firm in correcting their behavior. Don't let your love go unrequited – gently guide them towards righting their wrongs before they become a bigger problem. It's about setting boundaries and making sure they understand the consequences of their actions. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes that discipline is a part of loving someone. It’s not just about punishment; it's about helping them grow and learn to make better choices. In essence, Proverbs 13:24 encourages a balance – love and care combined with firm guidance when necessary. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Proverbs? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle might be applied in a real-life situation?