Proverbs 15:5

5 A fool scorns his father's instruction; but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth.

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 behold both the evil and the good in every place.

4 The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled with understanding.

5 A fool scorns his father's instruction; but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth.

6 In the houses of the righteous is much strength: but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish.

7 The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the hearts of the foolish are not safe.

Footnotes

• [a] Gr. with the roots wholly torn up.