Proverbs 19:27 kjv

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27 nkjv

Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27 niv

Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27 esv

Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27 nlt

If you stop listening to instruction, my child,
you will turn your back on knowledge.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 27 Meaning

Proverbs 19:27 counsels an urgent discontinuation of any instruction or counsel that ultimately deviates from established divine knowledge and truth. It emphasizes the critical need for discernment in distinguishing beneficial guidance from deceptive teaching, urging an active decision to turn away from anything that would lead one astray from sound understanding rooted in God's wisdom.

Proverbs 19 27 Context

Proverbs chapter 19 emphasizes various aspects of wisdom, folly, and their consequences. It addresses themes like the importance of integrity (v.1), the danger of rashness (v.2), human folly distorting one's path (v.3), the transient nature of wealth vs. character (v.4-7), and the value of discretion and understanding (v.8-11). The chapter contrasts the wise and the foolish, highlighting how a person's choices regarding wisdom or folly dictate their destiny. Verse 27, in particular, speaks directly to the process of acquiring wisdom, underscoring that not all instruction is beneficial; some, in fact, can be detrimental. It places responsibility on the listener to critically evaluate the source and content of guidance received, framing it as a crucial aspect of personal growth and avoiding pitfalls on the path of life. The advice "my son" is characteristic of Proverbs' father-to-son instruction, symbolizing the passing of wisdom through generations.

Proverbs 19 27 Word analysis

• Cease (חֲדַל - chadál): This is a strong imperative verb, meaning to stop, desist, refrain, or hold back. It conveys an active, immediate, and decisive discontinuation, not merely a passive neglect. It implies a conscious act of will to separate from something.
• my son (בְּנִ֗י - bᵊnî): A common address in Proverbs, highlighting the paternal relationship between the dispenser of wisdom and the recipient. It conveys intimacy, affection, and earnest concern for the student's welfare, emphasizing the personal nature of this crucial advice.
• to hear (לִשְׁמֹ֣עַ - lišmōʿ): Derived from שָׁמַע (shama'), this verb signifies more than just physical hearing. In biblical context, "to hear" often implies attentive listening that leads to understanding, internalizing, and obeying. Therefore, "cease to hear" means to stop paying heed to, stop internalizing, or stop allowing oneself to be influenced by.
• instruction (מוּסָ֑ר - mûsār): This term typically refers to moral discipline, training, chastening, or correction, usually positive and leading to wisdom. The use here is ironic, highlighting that even something presented as 'instruction' can be deceptive if its ultimate goal is not genuine knowledge. It implies the perversion of what should be a good thing.
• That causeth to err (לָשׁ֖וּט - lashuṭ): This participle is from the root שׁוּט (shuṭ), which means "to wander," "to go astray," "to reel," or "to turn aside." Here, in the causative form, it means "to cause to wander" or "to cause to turn away." It vividly portrays the effect of such instruction: it disorients and leads off the correct path.
• from the words of knowledge (מִדִּבְרֵי־דָֽעַת - middibrê-dāʿat):
  • words (דְּבָרִים - dāḇār): Refers to sayings, utterances, or principles.
  • knowledge (דַּעַת - da'at): In Proverbs, da'at often denotes moral discernment and true understanding, fundamentally rooted in the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7). These are foundational truths, established wisdom principles, and the revealed counsel of God that guide righteous living. To err from these words is to deviate from the divine standard.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Cease, my son, to hear instruction": This phrase abruptly reverses the common biblical admonition to listen to and embrace instruction. The affectionate "my son" underscores the grave warning about destructive teachings, urging a loving and immediate withdrawal. It highlights the son's agency in selecting influences.
• "That causeth to err from the words of knowledge": This crucial qualifying clause defines which instruction to avoid. It’s not just wrong information, but instruction that actively leads one astray. The "words of knowledge" serve as the immovable benchmark against which all instruction must be tested; anything diverting from it must be rejected. This emphasizes discernment as key to protecting one's understanding of divine truth.

Proverbs 19 27 Bonus section

• This proverb highlights that not all seemingly good things (like 'instruction') are truly good or lead to flourishing. Discernment is paramount.
• It functions as a strong warning against intellectual or spiritual carelessness, urging individuals to be critical thinkers grounded in truth.
• The emphasis on "causing to err" implies that misleading instruction isn't merely passive untruth, but actively disorients and misdirects.
• It subtly speaks to the corruptibility of teaching itself, where what should be beneficial can be perverted to lead people astray.
• This principle transcends ancient Israel, applying to contemporary challenges like deceptive ideologies, unbiblical spiritual teachings, and the pervasive influence of misleading media or cultural narratives.

Proverbs 19 27 Commentary

Proverbs 19:27 presents a vital injunction concerning intellectual and spiritual discernment. While the wisdom tradition broadly encourages the acquisition of instruction (mûsār), this verse provides a critical caveat: not all instruction is beneficial. The wise father earnestly advises his "son" to proactively distance himself from any teaching, counsel, or influence—regardless of its label or presentation—that would cause him to stray from "the words of knowledge." These "words of knowledge" are the bedrock of truth, the established principles derived from God's wisdom, providing a sure guide for life.

This proverb calls for an active, vigilant evaluation of every voice, every philosophy, and every doctrine. It's a reminder that genuine wisdom involves not just learning what is good, but also knowing what to reject and having the strength of will to do so. The potential for error is great, and straying from divine truth can lead to serious moral and spiritual consequences. Therefore, this verse impresses upon the believer the profound responsibility to guard their mind and heart by critically assessing what they choose to hear, internalize, and obey, ensuring it aligns with the unerring standard of God's revealed Word.