Proverbs 8:33 kjv

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Proverbs 8:33 nkjv

Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.

Proverbs 8:33 niv

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.

Proverbs 8:33 esv

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.

Proverbs 8:33 nlt

Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don't ignore it.

Proverbs 8 verses

Meaning

Proverbs 8:33 is a direct command from Wisdom personified, urging active reception and compliance with her teachings. To "hear instruction" means not only to listen with the ears but to comprehend, embrace, and internalize her guidance. This engaged hearing leads directly to "being wise," which encompasses both intellectual understanding and practical skill in living righteously. The subsequent warning, "do not refuse it," underscores the critical importance of accepting wisdom’s counsel, implying that rejection leads to negative consequences. The verse essentially presents a pathway to true flourishing through obedience to divine instruction.

Cross References

Context

Proverbs chapter 8 is an extended invitation from Lady Wisdom, who speaks publicly and emphatically about her profound value, eternal nature, and indispensable role in God's creation. Her discourse is a significant counterpoint to the appeal of Folly later in chapter 9. At a time when human cunning and self-reliance were often lauded, Wisdom directly presents a divinely established path. This specific verse (8:33) serves as a direct appeal within Wisdom's broader discourse, calling for a responsive commitment to her words. It emphasizes that the inherent benefits of wisdom—which include a prosperous and upright life—are not passively acquired but attained through active engagement and obedience to her instruction, a principle crucial for navigating life in the ancient world and today.

Word analysis

• Hear (שִׁמְעוּ - shim'u): This is an imperative verb from the root shama', meaning to listen, perceive, understand, and, most critically in the Hebrew context, to obey. It demands an attentive and responsive act of will, going beyond mere auditory perception to embrace an active commitment to the received message.
• instruction (מוּסָר - musar): Refers to moral discipline, correction, training, and ethical guidance. Musar is not simply knowledge, but a formative process that involves learning, admonition, and even reproof, designed to cultivate character, self-control, and moral integrity. It leads individuals away from errant behavior towards wisdom and life.
• and be wise (וְחִכְמוּ - ve-khokh'mu): An imperative verb from the root khakham, signifying the state or action of becoming wise, acting wisely, or acquiring practical wisdom. This clause indicates that true wisdom (chokmah) is not merely intellectual, but a practical skill in navigating life righteously, and it is a direct outcome of diligently applying oneself to Wisdom’s instruction.
• and do not refuse it (וְאַל־תִּפְרָעוּ - ve'al-tif'ra'u): This is a strong negative imperative. The verb para' can mean to let loose, disregard, ignore, or reject. Here, it is a pointed warning against carelessly dismissing, willfully neglecting, or outright rejecting the instruction offered by Wisdom. To refuse her counsel is to invite folly and negative consequences into one's life.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Hear instruction and be wise": This initial command establishes a direct and essential link: active engagement with wisdom's discipline is the foundational step toward acquiring true wisdom. It highlights that wisdom is a product of deliberate learning and obedient application, rather than innate knowledge or chance. The sequence indicates that inward assimilation leads to outward demonstration of discernment and righteous living.
• "and do not refuse it": This vital addendum provides a severe warning. It implies that rejecting wisdom's instruction is a perilous choice that prevents the acquisition of wisdom and its blessings. This refusal is an act of defiance or neglect against life-giving truth, signaling a self-imposed path toward foolishness and potential ruin, as seen in other Proverbs where folly is a choice of rejecting Wisdom.

Commentary

Proverbs 8:33 distills Wisdom's core message into an urgent, two-part imperative. It first calls for attentive reception and embracing of her instruction, emphasizing that true "hearing" is synonymous with internalizing and obeying. The natural, blessed outcome of such responsiveness is to "be wise," demonstrating that practical, godly living stems from alignment with divine truth. Crucially, the verse includes a solemn warning: "do not refuse it." This admonition against apathy, neglect, or outright rejection reveals the profound consequence of choosing not to heed Wisdom's voice. To disregard her counsel is to invite folly and relinquish the benefits of a well-ordered, righteous life. It stresses the personal responsibility each individual has to actively choose the path of wisdom or suffer the repercussions of rejection.

Bonus section

The call to "hear" (shama') throughout the Old Testament frequently encapsulates a covenantal imperative, implying loyal obedience alongside auditory reception. This divine standard extends to Wisdom’s instruction. The Hebrew concept of musar (instruction/discipline) is often a parent-child relationship model applied to God and humanity, signifying that the corrective guidance is for our ultimate good and spiritual maturation. Refusing musar is tantamount to spiritual rebellion, isolating oneself from the very source of life and good judgment. Ultimately, for believers, this "Wisdom" finds its complete personification and fullest expression in Jesus Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). Therefore, to "hear instruction and be wise" is to receive Christ and His teachings, and "not to refuse it" means abiding in Him.