Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way
The right way, the way of God; the way of his commandments: the Vulgate Latin version is, "the way of life"; the same with the way of righteousness, which apostates, having known and walked in, turn aside from; see ( 2 Peter 2:15 2 Peter 2:21 ) . And such deserve severe correction, the chastisement of a cruel one, correction in wrath and hot displeasure; which, when they have, is very disagreeable to them; they behave under it like a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke, and yet they are but dealt righteously with. Or the words may be rendered, "he [has had] bad discipline" or "instruction F26 that forsakes the way"; due care has not been taken of him; he has not been properly instructed, nor seasonably corrected; had he, he would not easily have departed from the way in which he should go; see ( Proverbs 22:6 ) . The Targum is,
``the discipline of an evil man causes his way to err;''or him to err from his way; [and] he that hateth reproof shall die;