Proverbs 8:33
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֖וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֖וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 5
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מוּסָ֥ר
instruction
H4148
מוּסָ֥ר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
Cross References
Proverbs 4:1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.Proverbs 5:1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:Proverbs 1:8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Proverbs 1:21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
Historical Context
Moses similarly concluded law-giving with urgent call to obedience: 'I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life' (Deuteronomy 30:19). Joshua challenged Israel: 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve' (Joshua 24:15). The pattern throughout Scripture: revelation demands response; truth requires obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What instruction from God are you currently neglecting despite knowing its truth?
- How does wisdom's divine origin intensify the urgency of obeying it?
- What would immediate, full obedience to biblical wisdom require in your current circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Hear instruction and be wise; don't neglect it. The Hebrew 'shama' (hear/obey) and 'para' (neglect/ignore) present binary choice. After celebrating wisdom's eternal nature and creative participation, the application is urgent: hear and obey! The implication: rejecting such wisdom is catastrophic folly. When God Himself offers wisdom that precedes and creates all reality, only fools ignore it.