Proverbs 19:27
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
חַֽדַל
Cease
H2308
חַֽדַל
Cease
Strong's:
H2308
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
בְּ֭נִי
my son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לִשְׁמֹ֣עַ
to hear
H8085
לִשְׁמֹ֣עַ
to hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מוּסָ֑ר
the instruction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
the instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
לִ֝שְׁג֗וֹת
that causeth to err
H7686
לִ֝שְׁג֗וֹת
that causeth to err
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
5 of 7
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
Cross References
Mark 4:24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Proverbs 14:7Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;Matthew 16:12Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.Matthew 16:6Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.John 10:5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.1 Timothy 4:7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Historical Context
Israel's prophets constantly warned against false teachers and idolatrous influences from surrounding nations. Remaining faithful to Yahweh's revelation required vigilant attention to His word.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you consistently exposing yourself to sound biblical teaching and Scripture?
- What false teachings or philosophies are you entertaining that could lead you astray?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This is a straightforward warning against false teaching. To 'cease...to hear instruction' is to close one's ears to wisdom—a catastrophic decision with inevitable consequences. The result is 'erring from the words of knowledge,' a progressive wandering that leads further into error and folly. Truth requires continual attention and receptivity; the moment we stop listening, we begin drifting. This applies both to Scripture itself and to faithful biblical teaching. In an age of competing voices, the call to remain steadfast in sound doctrine is crucial. Apostasy rarely happens suddenly but through gradual neglect of truth and absorption of error.