Proverbs 1:30 kjv

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Proverbs 1:30 nkjv

They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.

Proverbs 1:30 niv

Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,

Proverbs 1:30 esv

would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof,

Proverbs 1:30 nlt

They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.

Proverbs 1 verses

Proverbs 1 30 Meaning

Proverbs 1:30 expresses the unyielding defiance of those who actively reject the divine wisdom being offered to them. It highlights their deliberate choice to spurn all of wisdom's guidance, counsel, and corrective admonition. This is not passive neglect but an assertive contempt for truth and righteousness as presented by God.

Proverbs 1 30 Context

Proverbs chapter 1 begins the book with a declaration of its purpose: to impart wisdom, instruction, understanding, and righteousness to all, especially the young and simple. Verses 20-33 present Lady Wisdom personified, standing in the bustling public spaces, crying out her invitation and warning. She graciously extends an open call to the "simple," the "scoffers," and the "fools" to turn from their foolish ways and embrace her counsel. However, as shown in verses 24-29, the majority disregard her outstretched hand and mocking her words. Verse 30 specifically zeroes in on the root attitude of this rejection: a profound and active unwillingness to receive any of wisdom's guidance or corrective input. It sets the stage for the dire consequences elaborated in the subsequent verses (Prov 1:31-32), where these individuals will face the painful fruit of their own chosen path, when Wisdom will no longer answer their desperate cries. This rejection represents the consistent pattern of humanity resisting divine revelation throughout history.

Proverbs 1 30 Word analysis

• They: Refers to the "simple," "scoffers," and "fools" introduced in Proverbs 1:22, representing those who scorn wisdom and embrace folly. This group encompasses any person who disregards divine truth.

• would none: Translates the Hebrew לוּא (lu’), a particle conveying negative desire or unwillingness. It implies an active, deliberate, and forceful refusal, rather than passive oversight. They did not just happen to miss it; they intentionally opposed it.

• my counsel: From the Hebrew עֵצָה ('etsah), meaning "counsel," "advice," "purpose," or "deliberation." In the context of Lady Wisdom, this refers to God's guiding principles, divine plans, and righteous pathways for life. It is the wisdom that structures creation and perfects human living (cf. Prov 8:14 where Wisdom proclaims "Counsel is mine").

• they despised: From the Hebrew נָאַץ (na'ats), a strong verb meaning "to spurn," "to treat with contempt," "to abhor," or "to blaspheme." This word indicates a severe, active, and arrogant rejection. It signifies utter contempt and a profound lack of respect. This term is also used for despising the Lord Himself (Num 14:23) or His laws (Ps 10:3), showing the gravity of this rejection.

• all: Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their rejection. It was not just one piece of advice or one warning; they rejected every single aspect of Wisdom's corrective and guiding word. This implies a complete and unwavering stubbornness.

• my reproof: From the Hebrew תּוֹכַחַת (tokhachat), meaning "rebuke," "correction," "admonition," "conviction," or "chastening." This refers to Wisdom's specific words of exposure for wrong behavior, intended to call the listener to repentance and change. It's the critical instruction designed to turn someone from folly to truth. Rejecting this is rejecting the very means of rescue and growth.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "They would none of my counsel": This phrase describes the willful, resolute refusal to accept divine guidance and sound advice. It speaks to the autonomous spirit that seeks to chart its own course apart from God's wisdom, believing its own way is superior.
  • "they despised all my reproof": This segment illustrates the intense contempt and abhorrence for correction. It's not mere indifference, but an active, arrogant spurning of any and all instruction meant to expose folly or call for repentance. This highlights the deep spiritual hardening that occurs in the hearts of those who prefer their self-made paths to God's path. The pairing of "counsel" and "reproof" signifies the complete and total rejection of both God's positive direction and His corrective intervention.

Proverbs 1 30 Bonus section

The personification of Wisdom in Proverbs 1 is profoundly significant. Some scholars understand "Lady Wisdom" as a metaphorical representation of God's attribute, particularly His understanding, instruction, and moral order embedded in creation. Others, especially within Christian theology, view this personification as pointing forward to the pre-incarnate Christ (Logos, Word of God) through whom all things were created and who embodies divine wisdom. Therefore, to reject Wisdom's counsel and reproof is, in essence, to reject God Himself and the very nature of truth and order He has established. This verse captures a recurring theme throughout biblical history: God consistently reaches out to humanity, offering guidance and correction, but a segment of humanity consistently hardens its heart and spurns His gracious initiatives, ultimately choosing self-destruction over salvation. The totality of the rejection ("all my reproof") emphasizes the pervasive nature of their resistance. This refusal to accept God's counsel ultimately leads to the "fruit of their own way" (Prov 1:31), where they suffer the natural and spiritual consequences of their choices, devoid of divine intervention they had despised.

Proverbs 1 30 Commentary

Proverbs 1:30 is a pivotal verse within Lady Wisdom's initial sermon, laying bare the core attitude that precipitates humanity's self-destruction. It illustrates that the failure to attain wisdom is not due to its absence or ambiguity, but to a deliberate, internal choice of rejection. Wisdom stands publicly, offering grace and clear direction, but the "simple," "scoffers," and "fools" meet this divine offer with a hardened heart. Their "would none" implies a fixed will against God's benevolent counsel, and their act of "despising" every "reproof" underscores a profound contempt for corrective truth. This active scorn for both the guiding hand and the warning voice of God-given wisdom seals their fate. The verse highlights a deep human pathology: a preference for personal autonomy and perceived freedom over the liberating discipline and true life offered by God. The consequences, elaborated in the succeeding verses, are dire and inescapable: they will reap the bitter fruit of their own devices because they stubbornly refused the means of escape and blessing.

• Example 1: Like a sick patient who not only refuses medicine but actively spits it out, contemptuous of the doctor's clear warnings.
• Example 2: A rebellious child who slams the door on parental advice and defiantly pursues a dangerous path.