Proverbs 1:25
But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּפְרְע֥וּ
But ye have set at nought
H6544
וַתִּפְרְע֥וּ
But ye have set at nought
Strong's:
H6544
Word #:
1 of 6
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְ֝תוֹכַחְתִּ֗י
none of my reproof
H8433
וְ֝תוֹכַחְתִּ֗י
none of my reproof
Strong's:
H8433
Word #:
4 of 6
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
Cross References
Psalms 81:11But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.Luke 7:30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Proverbs 1:30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.Psalms 107:11Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:Proverbs 5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;2 Chronicles 36:16But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions valued counsel and reproof from sages and elders. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes receiving instruction and correction. Rejecting wise counsel was considered foolish and dangerous. Solomon's indictment assumes hearers had access to truth but spurned it. This pattern recurs in prophetic literature—Israel had God's law but disobeyed. Judgment follows rejected counsel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the comprehensive rejection of 'all counsel' demonstrate total depravity's extent—not partial but complete resistance to God's truth?
- What does refusal of reproof teach us about pride being the root of rejecting correction?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom's indictment: 'But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.' 'Set at nought' (Hebrew: para, reject, ignore) indicates willful disregard. The comprehensive 'all my counsel' shows total rejection, not merely selective listening. 'Would none' emphasizes volitional refusal—they could have received correction but chose not to. This describes the natural man's hostility to divine wisdom (1 Cor. 2:14). Apart from grace, humans reject God's counsel, preferring autonomous wisdom.