Proverbs 15:10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Original Language Analysis
מוּסָ֣ר
Correction
H4148
מוּסָ֣ר
Correction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
לְעֹזֵ֣ב
unto him that forsaketh
H5800
לְעֹזֵ֣ב
unto him that forsaketh
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
3 of 7
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֹ֑רַח
the way
H734
אֹ֑רַח
the way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
4 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
Cross References
Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Proverbs 13:1A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.Proverbs 10:17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.John 3:20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.Proverbs 5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, prophets brought divine correction. Those who received it (like David after Nathan's rebuke, 2 Samuel 12) found life. Those who hated reproof (like Ahab opposing Micaiah, 1 Kings 22) perished. The exile resulted from generations rejecting prophetic correction (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Post-exilic reforms came through receiving Ezra's and Nehemiah's reproof. The pattern continues—accepting correction produces life; hating it brings death.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond to correction—with receptivity or resistance?
- What does your attitude toward reproof reveal about your spiritual state and trajectory?
- How can you cultivate a heart that receives correction as God's loving discipline rather than finding it grievous?
Analysis & Commentary
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Musar ra le'ozev orach (מוּסָר רָע לְעֹזֵב אֹרַח, discipline is evil to one forsaking the path). Those abandoning the right way find correction ra (רָע, evil, grievous, offensive). Sone tokhachat yamut (שׂוֹנֵא תוֹכַחַת יָמוּת, hating reproof will die). Active hatred of correction leads to death. The proverb warns that resistance to discipline reveals and produces spiritual death. Hebrews 12:5-11 teaches that God disciplines those He loves; rejecting discipline indicates illegitimacy and leads to ruin.