A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Ver. 3. A whip for the horse,] viz., To quicken his slow pace. "A bridle for the ass," wherewith to lead him in the right way; for he goes willingly but a foot pace, and would be oft out, but for the bit; and besides, he is very refractory, and must be "held in with bit and bridle." Psa 32:9
And a rod for the back of fools.] Tυφθεις δε τε νηπιος εγνω. A fool will be the better for beating. Vexatio dat intellectum. Due punishment may well be to these horses and asses - so the Scripture terms unreasonable and wicked men - both for a whip to incite them to good, and for a bridle to rein them in from evil. God hath rods sticking in every corner of his house for these froward fools; and if a rod serve not turn, he hath a "terrible sword." Isa 27:1 So must magistrates. Cuncta prius tentanda. If a rod will do, they need not brandish the sword of justice; nor do as Draco did, who punished with death every light offence. This was to kill a fly upon a man's forehead with a beetle, to the knocking out of his brains.