What is the meaning of the Bible verse Proverbs 20:30?

“Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.” (Proverbs 20:30, ESV) C

This verse may lay the foundation for an argument for capital punishment. Some people refuse to learn from life itself. They do not have the wisdom to become successful without “the school of hard knocks.”

It may be said that violence is the only thing people who have to receive blows and be struck can understand. In that case, this would be a proverb about foolish people who must have wisdom beaten into them. Only through beatings does the person become clean.

The outer wounds, or wounds of the body, cleanse the inner person, the soul. This verse suggests that bodily harm or wounds can be beneficial because they help clear out the evil in a person.