“Doctrina mala deserenti viam vitæ ; qui increpationes odit, morietur.”
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Correction: or, Instruction”
“Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.”
“There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.”
“There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; And he that hateth reproof shall die.”
Instruction. Hebrew, “a heavy punishment.” (Haydock) — The mind which gives way to vice, must have embraced some false doctrine.
Hence, 1. Let superiors be admonished to give instruction and reproof to those that are under their charge, as they will answer it in the day of account. They must not only instruct with the light of knowledge, but reprove with the heat of zeal; and both these must be done with the authority and affection of a father, and must be continued, though the desired effect be not immediately perceived. If the instruction be despised, give reproof, and rebuke sharply. It is indeed against the grain with good-humoured men to find fault, and make those about them uneasy; but better so than to suffer them to go on undisturbed in the way to ruin. 2. Let inferiors be admonished, not only to submit to instruction and reproof (even hardships must be submitted to), but to value them as favours and not despise them, to make use of them for their direction, and always to have a regard to them; this will be an evidence that they are wise and a means of making them so; whereas he that slights his good education is a fool and is likely to live and die one.