Proverbs 13:18
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Original Language Analysis
פּוֹרֵ֣עַ
shall be to him that refuseth
H6544
פּוֹרֵ֣עַ
shall be to him that refuseth
Strong's:
H6544
Word #:
3 of 7
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר
but he that regardeth
H8104
וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר
but he that regardeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 15:5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Proverbs 25:12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.Proverbs 13:13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.Proverbs 19:6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Psalms 141:5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
Historical Context
Reflects wisdom tradition where receiving instruction enabled prosperity while rejecting it caused failure. Ancient apprenticeship systems made this principle observable - teachable learners advanced; resistant ones failed.
Questions for Reflection
- What poverty and shame have resulted from your refusal of instruction?
- How has regarding reproof brought honor you wouldn't otherwise have received?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses instruction, but he that regards reproof shall be honored. Rejecting teaching brings both material want and social disgrace. Heeding correction brings honor. This verse links intellectual humility with practical outcomes - teachability leads to flourishing; unteachability leads to ruin. The contrast emphasizes that consequences follow character - proud resistance produces shame; humble receptivity produces honor.