Misunderstood Saying!

'Spare the rod and spoil the child' I thought was an entreaty as in Oh do spare the rod and spoil that lovely little child.

and 'Ne'er shed a clout till may is out' I assumed meant the month of May and not the blossom of the hawthorn.

Love 'olden times' sayings and folklore. I knew someone who whenever was rushing about would shout "a stitch in time saves mine", rather liked the idea