Proverbs 15:5 kjv
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 15:5 nkjv
A fool despises his father's instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.
Proverbs 15:5 niv
A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
Proverbs 15:5 esv
A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 15:5 nlt
Only a fool despises a parent's discipline;
whoever learns from correction is wise.
Proverbs 15 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 1:7 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom... | Fools reject wisdom from the outset. |
| Prov 1:25 | ...but you ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, | Consequence of rejecting counsel and reproof. |
| Prov 1:30 | ...would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, | Despising instruction leads to trouble. |
| Prov 6:23 | For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light... | Instruction as a guide. |
| Prov 10:17 | Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects... | Heeding instruction leads to life. |
| Prov 12:1 | Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is... | Connection between loving discipline and knowledge. |
| Prov 13:1 | A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not... | Direct parallel about a wise son hearing instruction. |
| Prov 13:14 | The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from... | Instruction provides life and avoids snares. |
| Prov 13:18 | Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever... | Ignoring instruction leads to negative outcomes. |
| Prov 15:10 | There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates... | Consequences for hating correction. |
| Prov 15:31 | The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. | Receiving reproof leads to wisdom. |
| Prov 15:32 | Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens... | Ignoring instruction shows self-contempt. |
| Prov 28:26 | Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom... | Trusting self leads to folly, not wisdom. |
| Ps 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked... | Contrast between righteous and wicked choices. |
| Isa 28:9-10 | "Whom will he teach knowledge? And to whom will he explain the message?" | God's methodical instruction. |
| Jer 35:12-14 | ...sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command of their... | Example of faithful obedience to a father's instruction. |
| Heb 12:5-8 | And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons...? | God's fatherly discipline as an expression of love. |
| Matt 7:24-27 | Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like... | Hearing and doing instruction builds a firm foundation. |
| Jam 1:22 | But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. | Importance of acting on what is heard. |
| 1 Pet 1:14 | As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your... | Believers as obedient children to their heavenly Father. |
| Eph 6:1 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. | Command to obey parental instruction. |
| Col 3:20 | Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. | Obedience to parents as pleasing to God. |
Proverbs 15 verses
Proverbs 15 5 Meaning
A foolish person rejects the valuable moral teaching and discipline offered by their father, demonstrating contempt for wisdom. Conversely, a discerning and understanding individual embraces correction and reproof, indicating a readiness to learn and grow in prudence and discretion. This verse highlights the profound difference in character and life trajectory between those who are open to instruction and those who scorn it.
Proverbs 15 5 Context
Proverbs 15 is a rich collection of contrasting statements, frequently juxtaposing the paths and outcomes of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. The chapter broadly emphasizes the importance of wisdom in all aspects of life, including speech, conduct, and relationships, especially within the family. Verse 5 fits squarely into this theme by highlighting the fundamental difference between a fool's rejection of parental guidance and a wise person's humble acceptance of correction. In ancient Israel, the father served as a primary instructor of moral and spiritual wisdom, a role deeply tied to the covenantal relationship with God. Family units were central to societal structure, and a father's "instruction" (מּוּסָר, musar) encompassed not just knowledge but discipline, training, and moral formation, intended to lead children in the fear of the Lord (Deut 6:6-7). This proverb implicitly underscores that rebellion against parental authority often mirrors a rejection of divine wisdom, while humility to receive correction is a hallmark of prudence.
Proverbs 15 5 Word analysis
Word-by-word analysis:
- A fool (אֱוִיל ’ewîl): Not merely lacking intelligence, but stubbornly resistant to moral instruction and divine wisdom. This folly is a character flaw rooted in a rejection of truth and discipline.
- despises (בּוּז buz): To show contempt, scorn, or disdain. This is an active rejection, not merely ignorance. It implies an arrogant posture towards authority and wisdom.
- his father’s (אָב ’av): The paternal figure, historically the primary source of moral, religious, and practical instruction within the family. Represents foundational authority and guidance.
- instruction (מוּסָר musar): Encompasses discipline, correction, chastisement, and moral training. It's not just intellectual teaching, but character-shaping discipline aimed at righteousness.
- But he who regards (וְשֹׁמֵר wᵉshōmēr): "Regards" (שֹׁמֵר, shōmēr) means to guard, keep, observe, pay attention to, or obey. It denotes active reception, internalization, and adherence. The "but" introduces a strong contrast.
- reproof (תּוֹכַחַת tôḵakhaṯ): Correction, rebuke, or admonition. This refers to the challenging feedback intended to rectify error or improve behavior, often involving pointing out faults directly.
- is prudent (נָבוֹן navôn): Possessing understanding, discernment, and insight. One who is prudent makes wise choices based on careful consideration, showing practical wisdom.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- A fool despises his father's instruction: This phrase defines folly not by a lack of capacity, but by a rebellious attitude. The fool actively rejects the foundational moral and disciplinary teaching, viewing it with contempt. This highlights a deliberate choice against wisdom, indicating an inward disposition that prioritizes self-will over guided development. The musar (instruction/discipline) is vital for shaping character, and its rejection leads to disastrous life choices.
- But he who regards reproof is prudent: This contrasting phrase champions the posture of wisdom. "Regarding" (keeping/obeying) reproof shows humility and a desire to learn and improve. The person open to "tôḵakhaṯ" (correction) demonstrates sound judgment and is able to apply understanding (navôn) to practical life. This highlights that prudence isn't innate but cultivated through receptivity to constructive criticism and a willingness to change one's ways.
Proverbs 15 5 Bonus section
This proverb underscores the critical importance of a teachable spirit. While "father's instruction" primarily refers to parental guidance, its broader application extends to any source of godly counsel or divine truth. The ability to receive correction reflects maturity and spiritual humility, essential for spiritual growth. Conversely, rejecting reproof is a strong indicator of pride, which often precedes a downfall. The ancient near-eastern context, like Israel, highly valued the passing of wisdom through patriarchal lines, making this proverb deeply resonate with the foundational values of society. This proverb also implies the responsibility of the "father" or authority figure to offer such wise "instruction" and "reproof" in the first place, rooted in love and a desire for the well-being of the one being instructed.
Proverbs 15 5 Commentary
Proverbs 15:5 encapsulates a foundational truth about human character: the reception of correction is a key differentiator between folly and wisdom. A fool is characterized by an arrogant self-sufficiency that dismisses paternal instruction, which historically served as the primary means of passing on covenantal wisdom and moral uprightness in Israelite society. This dismissal is not mere ignorance but a contemptuous rejection, betraying a hardened heart resistant to formative discipline. Such an attitude invariably leads to ruinous consequences, as demonstrated throughout the wisdom literature.
In stark contrast, the prudent individual actively embraces and heeds reproof. This reveals a spirit of humility and an openness to learn from mistakes or outside perspectives, even when those insights are corrective or challenging. This willingness to be refined is what enables growth in discernment and practical understanding. The verse thus teaches that true wisdom is not about innate cleverness but about the moral disposition to submit to instruction, reflecting a willingness to align one's life with righteous principles taught by those in authority, ultimately including God Himself.