Proverbs 15:5

5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

Proverbs 15:5 in Other Translations

5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

5 Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.

5 A fool despiseth his father's correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

5 A stubborn fool despises his father's discipline, but whoever appreciates a warning shows good sense.

5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but a person who heeds correction is sensible.

5 A foolish person turns his back on how his father has trained him. But anyone who accepts being corrected shows understanding.

Proverbs 15:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 15:5

A fool despiseth his father's instruction
They are fools that despise any instruction that is wise, good, and profitable; and especially a father's instruction, whose love, tender affection, and care, will not suffer him, knowingly, to give any but what is good and wholesome: wherefore to despise it is not only a contempt of his authority, but a slight of his love; which are both very aggravating, and sufficiently demonstrate his folly; and of which he may be himself convinced when it is too late, and say, "how have I hated instruction [and] despised reproof?" ( Proverbs 5:12 ) . He is a fool that despises the instruction of anyone superior to him in years and experience; of ministers of the word; and especially of our Father which is in heaven, declared in the sacred Scriptures, which are written for instruction in righteousness; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent;
the reproof of a father, whose corrections are to be submitted to, and received with reverence; and especially of the Father of spirits, whose rebukes are in love, and for profit and advantage; yea, he is a wise man that regards the reproof of the word of God, and the ministers of it; and indeed of any Christian, whether his superior, equal, or inferior, as David did, ( Psalms 141:5 ) .

Proverbs 15:5 In-Context

3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 10:17; S Proverbs 12:1; S Proverbs 13:1