Proverbs 15:5
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Original Language Analysis
יִ֭נְאַץ
despiseth
H5006
יִ֭נְאַץ
despiseth
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
2 of 7
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
מוּסַ֣ר
instruction
H4148
מוּסַ֣ר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
אָבִ֑יו
his father's
H1
אָבִ֑יו
his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 7
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
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 13:18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.Proverbs 13:1A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.Proverbs 19:20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.1 Chronicles 28:20And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.Titus 1:13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Historical Context
Reflects patriarchal family structure where fathers bore primary responsibility for sons' education. Rejecting such instruction wasn't merely foolish but dishonored parents and violated covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to correction from authority figures - with contempt or prudence?
- What makes you resistant to reproof that you need to embrace?
Analysis & Commentary
A fool despises his father's instruction, but he that regards reproof is prudent. Fools reject paternal teaching; wise persons heed correction. The verb 'despise' (na'ats) suggests contempt, active rejection. In contrast, regarding reproof demonstrates prudence (aram - shrewdness, sensibility). This verse makes receptivity to correction the defining difference between wisdom and folly. Pride rejects instruction; humility receives it.