Proverbs 15:32

Authorized King James Version

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He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Original Language Analysis

פּוֹרֵ֣עַ He that refuseth H6544
פּוֹרֵ֣עַ He that refuseth
Strong's: H6544
Word #: 1 of 8
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
מ֭וּסָר instruction H4148
מ֭וּסָר instruction
Strong's: H4148
Word #: 2 of 8
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
מוֹאֵ֣ס despiseth H3988
מוֹאֵ֣ס despiseth
Strong's: H3988
Word #: 3 of 8
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ his own soul H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ his own soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְשׁוֹמֵ֥עַ but he that heareth H8085
וְשׁוֹמֵ֥עַ but he that heareth
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 5 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תּ֝וֹכַ֗חַת reproof H8433
תּ֝וֹכַ֗חַת reproof
Strong's: H8433
Word #: 6 of 8
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
ק֣וֹנֶה getteth H7069
ק֣וֹנֶה getteth
Strong's: H7069
Word #: 7 of 8
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
לֵּֽב׃ understanding H3820
לֵּֽב׃ understanding
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 8 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis & Commentary

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. Pore'a musar mo'es nafsho (פּוֹרֵעַ מוּסָר מוֹאֵס נַפְשׁוֹ, one refusing discipline despises his soul). Rejecting instruction is self-hatred. Veshome'a tokhachat qoneh-lev (וְשׁוֹמֵעַ תּוֹכַחַת קוֹנֶה־לֵב, but one hearing reproof acquires heart/understanding). Qanah lev (literally "acquires heart") means gets understanding, gains wisdom. Accepting correction is self-love through growth. The proverb challenges us to prove love for ourselves through humility toward reproof.

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom traditions emphasized teachability. The wise sought correction; fools rejected it. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts these responses (10:17, 12:1, 13:18, 15:5). Biblical examples include David receiving Nathan's rebuke (2 Samuel 12) versus Rehoboam rejecting elders' counsel (1 Kings 12). Christians should welcome biblical correction as God's loving discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Questions for Reflection