What does Proverbs 29:17 mean?

Discipline, properly measured and administered, teaches a child to avoid wrongdoing and to do what is pleasing to the Lord and his parents (Proverbs 8:32–35; 29:15). A child needs to learn early to distinguish right from wrong. This instruction must begin in the home. Parents must not leave the responsibility to classroom teachers, pastors, or society at large. Parents will have no peace or joy if they fail to discipline their child early in life. It is futile and dangerous to wait until a son or daughter is a teenager to attempt to guide their moral path (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18).

Timothy received moral instruction early in his life. The apostle Paul tells Timothy, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well" (2 Timothy 1:5). Further, in 2 Timothy 3:15, he tells Timothy: "From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."