When coming to a passage like this, it is wise to remember that Solomon, at times, is sharing with us observational wisdom. The point of this passage is not that every fool ought to be physically beaten with a rod. Rather, that fools eventually become so stubborn, that the only thing that will get their attention or motivate them, is the painful consequences of their foolishness. If you’ve lived very long, you’ve seen the fool who has hit rock bottom, and in their pain and misery, acknowledged and expressed remorse over their foolishness. It is a sad commentary on an individual’s soul, when the only thing that can direct them away from foolishness is pain. God has given us His Word and His Spirit, that we might be lead in wisdom and truth. Do you have a tendency to ignore God unless you’re hurting? If we answer yes to this question; may God, in His goodness, bless us to repent from our foolishness, and turn toward wisdom.