Old Testament
Proverbs 29:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.
Compare translations
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
What Proverbs 29:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline in parenting. It suggests that when a parent corrects and guides their child, it leads to a more peaceful and joyful family life. The act of discipline is not just about punishment; it involves teaching and nurturing the child to grow into a responsible and respectful individual. The promise is that a well-disciplined child will bring peace to the home and joy to the parents' hearts. This reflects a broader principle in Proverbs about the value of wisdom and guidance in raising children. The verse reassures parents that their efforts in correcting their children will ultimately lead to positive outcomes, fostering a loving and harmonious environment.
How to apply Proverbs 29:17 to your life
Parents should actively engage in the discipline of their children, focusing on teaching and correction rather than punishment alone. By doing so, they can cultivate a peaceful home environment and foster a strong, loving relationship with their children that brings mutual joy.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 29:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 29:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 29:17 mean?
Proverbs 29:17 highlights the significance of discipline in parenting. It teaches that when parents correct and guide their children, it leads to a more peaceful and joyful family life.
What is the meaning of discipline in Proverbs 29:17?
In Proverbs 29:17, discipline refers to the process of correcting and guiding a child to help them grow into a responsible individual. It emphasizes teaching rather than just punishing.
How can parents apply Proverbs 29:17 in their lives?
Parents can apply Proverbs 29:17 by actively engaging in their children's discipline, focusing on teaching and nurturing rather than punishment. This approach fosters a loving and peaceful home.
What themes are present in Proverbs 29:17?
The themes in Proverbs 29:17 include parenting, discipline, peace, joy, guidance, and wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing children for a harmonious family life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.