He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
He that spareth his rod hateth his son - i:e., acts in such a way as one who hated the boy and desired his ruin might be supposed to act. "His rod," the rod which the parent is bound to use.
But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes - i:e., early, diligently, painstakingly, while the boy is yet tender; as soon as the corruption of the boy begins to sprout up. The tree is to be bent while young. The punishment is to follow the sin so soon as to prevent the habit of sin being formed-literally, 'early seeks chastening (discipline) for him' (Gesenius, Mercer). Gejer and Maurer take the Hebrew suffix, 'early seeks it'-namely, 'chastening.'