Spare the rod and spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24)

bible verse

“He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (Proverbs 13:24)

meaning

This expression means that if you don’t discipline children, they will become spoiled.

origin and application

In the past, a rod was used for punishing children who were naughty. But times have changed, and many countries have outlawed physical punishment in schools.
Rod has become a metaphor for punishment. This expression means that if you don’t discipline children, they will become spoiled.

example