Proverbs 15:32

32 He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who hears admonition gains heart.

Proverbs 15:32 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 15:32

He that refuseth instruction
The instruction of parents, masters, ministers, and of God himself; or "correction" F25, instruction either by the word or by the rod; he that withdraws himself from it, will not be in the way of it, that shuns, neglects, and despises it, or carelessly and contemptuously attends it: despiseth his own soul;
shows that he makes no account of it, has no regard for it or care about it, when it is so precious a jewel, and the loss of it irreparable; not that a man can strictly and properly despise his soul, but comparatively, having a greater regard for his body, and especially for his carnal lusts and pleasures, than for that; or as a man diseased and refuses proper medicines may be said to despise his health; but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding;
or "a heart" F26; he gets understanding by listening to reproof, and behaving according to it; he better understands himself and his case, what he should shun and avoid, what he should receive, embrace, and do; instead of losing his soul, as the man that refuses correction does, he finds the life of it, and possesses it, and with it a large share of experience and spiritual wisdom.


FOOTNOTES:

F25 (rowm) "correctionem", Pagninus, Vatablus; "qui abstrahit se a castigatione", Piscator.
F26 (bl) "cor", Pagninus, Piscator, Schultens, Michaelis.

Proverbs 15:32 In-Context

30 From the light of the eyes, the heart will rejoice, and good news will enliven the bones.
31 The ear of him who listens [to] admonitions of life, in the midst of the wise it will lodge.
32 He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who hears admonition gains heart.
33 Fear of Yahweh [is] the instruction of the wise, and before honor [comes] humility.

Footnotes 2

Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.