Proverbs 5:12
And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
Original Language Analysis
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
וְ֝תוֹכַ֗חַת
reproof
H8433
וְ֝תוֹכַ֗חַת
reproof
Strong's:
H8433
Word #:
5 of 7
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
Cross References
Proverbs 12:1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.Proverbs 1:22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 15:5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.Proverbs 1:25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:Psalms 50:17Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.Proverbs 13:18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.Jeremiah 44:4Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.Psalms 73:22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.Genesis 19:9And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
Historical Context
Biblical history repeatedly demonstrates this pattern: prophets warn, people reject, judgment comes, people lament they didn't listen. Jeremiah's Lamentations captures this anguish after Jerusalem's destruction. Jesus wept over Jerusalem: 'How often would I have gathered thy children together...and ye would not!' (Matthew 23:37). Refusal of offered salvation produces unique torment.
Questions for Reflection
- What instruction or reproof are you currently resisting that might prevent future regret?
- How can you cultivate receptivity to correction now rather than lamenting rejection later?
- Whose warnings should you heed before experiencing consequences of ignoring them?
Analysis & Commentary
The mourner laments: 'How I hated instruction and despised reproof!' This anguished backward look recognizes that rejecting wisdom produced ruin. The Hebrew 'sane' (hate) and 'na'ats' (despise/spurn) describe active rejection, not passive indifference. The tragedy isn't ignorance but willful refusal of knowledge freely offered. This verse captures the unique anguish of avoidable catastrophe - 'I was warned; I refused; now I'm destroyed.'