Proverbs 15:32 kjv

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Proverbs 15:32 nkjv

He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

Proverbs 15:32 niv

Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

Proverbs 15:32 esv

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

Proverbs 15:32 nlt

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 32 Meaning

Proverbs 15:32 contrasts two paths: one leading to self-destruction through rejection of wisdom, and the other leading to understanding and spiritual discernment through humble reception of correction. It asserts that those who despise godly instruction inflict harm upon their own essential being, while those who diligently heed wise reproof genuinely gain the mind and wisdom necessary for a fulfilling life.

Proverbs 15 32 Context

Proverbs chapter 15 is a rich collection of proverbs that primarily highlight the stark contrast between the wise and the foolish, and the righteous and the wicked. The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the power of words (vv. 1-4, 23, 28), the nature of the heart (vv. 7, 13, 28, 30), and the importance of instruction and discipline (vv. 5, 10, 31-32). Verse 32 specifically speaks to the crucial role of how one receives correction and wisdom. It underscores that humility and teachability are pathways to understanding, whereas arrogance and dismissal of counsel are routes to self-detriment, aligning with the broader Proverbs theme that wisdom is essential for life and folly leads to destruction. Historically, proverbs were a core method of transmitting societal and spiritual wisdom across generations in ancient Israel, often within a patriarchal teaching framework where 'instruction' was both familial and divine. The idea of "acquiring heart" for understanding was profoundly meaningful in a culture where the heart was seen as the seat of the entire person—intellect, emotion, and will.

Proverbs 15 32 Word analysis

• He who disdains (פֹּרֵעַ - poréa‘): The Hebrew verb means "to loosen," "let go," "neglect," or "cast off." It implies not just a passive ignoring, but an active, willful casting off or disregarding something that should be honored or bound to. This signifies a rebellious attitude, a contempt for structure and divine order.
• instruction (מוּסָר - mûsār): This significant Hebrew term refers to moral and spiritual discipline, correction, chastisement, training, and instruction. It encompasses both parental teaching and God's divine guidance and correction, designed to form one's character and direct one toward righteousness.
• despises (בּוֹזֶה - bōzēh): Means to treat with contempt, to scorn, or to hold as worthless. This word signifies an active disdain and belittling, not merely a simple oversight, revealing an inner attitude of arrogance and pride.
• his own soul (נַפְשׁוֹ - nafšō): Nephesh (soul) in Hebrew often refers to the entire person, the essence of one's being, life force, or very self. To despise one's nephesh means to disregard one's true well-being, leading to self-destruction—not just physically, but spiritually and morally.
• But he who heeds (שׁוֹמֵעַ - šômēaʿ): Literally, "he who hears." This implies not merely hearing with the ears, but an attentive listening that leads to understanding, obeying, and internalizing. It suggests a posture of humility and openness to learning.
• reproof (תּוֹכַחַת - tôkaḥat): Refers to a rebuke, correction, admonition, or an argument for conviction. It is a necessary and sometimes sharp act of exposing error or sin, intended for restorative correction and not mere condemnation.
• gets understanding (יִקְנֶה לֵב - yiqneh lēv): Literally, "acquires heart." In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (lev) is the seat of intellect, reason, moral choice, and spiritual perception. "Acquiring heart" signifies gaining wisdom, discernment, spiritual insight, and practical judgment—a comprehensive internal development that transforms the mind and character.

Words-group analysis

• He who disdains instruction despises his own soul: This phrase creates a powerful causal link. The outward act of spurning God's (or wise human) discipline directly correlates to an internal, fundamental self-infliction of harm. It's not God who directly punishes this individual in this specific instance, but rather the very act of rejection is a despising of one's own core being, leading to one's detriment. This speaks to the inherent self-destructive nature of pride and a closed spirit.
• But he who heeds reproof gets understanding: This contrast highlights the pathway to true wisdom. Active, humble listening to challenging but constructive correction results in a deep, transformative grasp of truth and life's principles. "Getting understanding" is portrayed as an acquisition of genuine intellectual and spiritual acumen, making one capable of navigating life wisely and morally. It implies a cultivation of internal wisdom that profoundly shapes character and conduct.

Proverbs 15 32 Bonus section

The verse succinctly presents a profound ethical and spiritual dichotomy that is central to wisdom literature. It is not merely about accumulating facts but about the posture of the heart toward truth and guidance. The phrase "gets understanding" suggests that understanding is an acquired virtue, something one actively obtains through a willingness to submit to the refining process of correction. This active acquisition highlights personal responsibility in one's spiritual growth. This principle has profound implications for parenting, discipleship, and mentorship within the Body of Christ: effective guidance depends not just on the giving of instruction, but on the receiving spirit of the learner.

Proverbs 15 32 Commentary

Proverbs 15:32 serves as a foundational statement on spiritual growth and the inherent nature of wisdom. It posits that a person's attitude toward instruction and correction fundamentally determines their spiritual and intellectual trajectory. To reject musar, God's disciplinary and formative teaching, is akin to despising one's own very essence, resulting in a deep, internal self-harm. This is because divine wisdom is intrinsically tied to human flourishing. Conversely, the humble reception of tokhachat, or a direct and necessary rebuke, is the means by which one "acquires heart"—gaining profound understanding, discernment, and true spiritual intelligence. This verse teaches that wisdom is not merely intellectual accumulation, but a product of teachability, humility, and responsiveness to correction, shaping the inner person towards righteousness and life. God's discipline is always for our ultimate good and spiritual development.