# General Information: These verses continue the "thirty sayings" ([Proverbs 22:20](../22/20.md)). # Do not withhold instruction from a child The abstract noun "instruction" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Do not neglect to instruct a child" or "Do not refuse to instruct a child" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]]) # withhold refuse to give something that one knows another person needs # beat him with the rod These words are either 1) a metaphor for training and disciplining him even when he considers the training and discipline painful or 2) to be taken literally. Alternate translation: "discipline him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])