Proverbs 1:30
They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָב֥וּ
They would
H14
אָב֥וּ
They would
Strong's:
H14
Word #:
2 of 6
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
לַעֲצָתִ֑י
none of my counsel
H6098
לַעֲצָתִ֑י
none of my counsel
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
3 of 6
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
נָ֝אֲצ֗וּ
they despised
H5006
נָ֝אֲצ֗וּ
they despised
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
4 of 6
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom teachers operated under patron-client relationships. Despising a patron's counsel severed the relationship, forfeiting protection and provision. Israel's covenant history demonstrates this pattern—rejecting God's law led to exile and divine abandonment (2 Kings 17:13-20). The principle extends eschatologically: those who despise Christ's reproof during their earthly opportunity face eternal rejection (Matt. 7:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the correlation between total rejection and total abandonment demonstrate the justice of hell?
- What does 'despised all my reproof' teach us about the active nature of unbelief—not mere ignorance but willful contempt?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom explains why prayers won't be answered: 'They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.' The repetition from v. 25 emphasizes the cause-effect relationship. Their comprehensive rejection ('none... all') produced comprehensive abandonment. 'Despised' (Hebrew: na'ats, reject with contempt) shows active scorn, not mere neglect. God's judicial abandonment matches their volitional rejection. This demonstrates the justice of eternal punishment—it corresponds to willful, total rejection of available grace. Hell's inhabitants chose it by rejecting salvation.