Proverbs 15:31

Authorized King James Version

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The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

Original Language Analysis

אֹ֗זֶן The ear H241
אֹ֗זֶן The ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 1 of 7
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
שֹׁ֭מַעַת that heareth H8085
שֹׁ֭מַעַת that heareth
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תּוֹכַ֣חַת the reproof H8433
תּוֹכַ֣חַת the reproof
Strong's: H8433
Word #: 3 of 7
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
חַיִּ֑ים of life H2416
חַיִּ֑ים of life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 4 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
בְּקֶ֖רֶב among H7130
בְּקֶ֖רֶב among
Strong's: H7130
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
חֲכָמִ֣ים the wise H2450
חֲכָמִ֣ים the wise
Strong's: H2450
Word #: 6 of 7
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
תָּלִֽין׃ abideth H3885
תָּלִֽין׃ abideth
Strong's: H3885
Word #: 7 of 7
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

Analysis & Commentary

The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. Those who receive life-giving correction dwell with wise persons. 'Reproof of life' (tokachat chayim) is correction leading to life, not mere criticism. Hearing such reproof demonstrates and produces wisdom. The verb 'abides' (lin) suggests permanent dwelling - receiving correction makes one at home among wise community.

Historical Context

Reflects covenant community where wise elders provided correction and those who received it joined the wise. Rejecting correction meant remaining among fools; receiving it meant advancement to wise company.

Questions for Reflection