Proverbs 10:17
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Original Language Analysis
אֹ֣רַח
He is in the way
H734
אֹ֣רַח
He is in the way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
1 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
לְ֭חַיִּים
of life
H2416
לְ֭חַיִּים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
that keepeth
H8104
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
that keepeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
וְעֹזֵ֖ב
but he that refuseth
H5800
וְעֹזֵ֖ב
but he that refuseth
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
5 of 7
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 6:23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:Proverbs 15:10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Proverbs 29:1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.Proverbs 5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, fathers instructed sons in Torah and practical wisdom. Accepting correction demonstrated humility and teachability, essential for mastering trades, understanding Scripture, and navigating society. Refusing correction marked fools who trusted their own judgment above experienced elders. The contrast between life's path and error's wandering would have resonated in a covenant community where faithfulness brought blessing and disobedience brought cursing (Deuteronomy 28).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond to correction—with defensiveness or with teachability?
- What guardrails (Scripture, mentors, accountability) help you stay on the 'way of life' rather than wandering into error?
- In what areas might you be refusing reproof and consequently erring from God's path?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb presents the two paths through instruction and correction. "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction" identifies the blessed path. Orach chayyim (אֹרַח חַיִּים, the way of life) is the road leading to genuine flourishing, both temporal and eternal. "Keepeth" (shomer, שֹׁמֵר) means guards, observes, heeds—active preservation of instruction (musar, מוּסָר, discipline, correction).
The contrasting path belongs to "he that refuseth reproof." Azav tokhachah (עֹזֵב תּוֹכֵחָה, forsaking correction) describes rejecting guidance. The result: "erreth" (to'eh, תֹּעֶה), meaning wanders astray, goes astray, errs. Refusing correction doesn't maintain the status quo—it leads to wandering from truth and life.
The proverb establishes correction as directional guidance. Those who welcome discipline stay on life's path; those who refuse it drift into error. Hebrews 12:5-11 teaches that God disciplines those He loves, producing righteousness in those trained by it. Psalm 119:105 declares God's Word "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Christ is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)—receiving His instruction is receiving life itself.