Proverbs 5:12

12 Saying, "Oh, why didn't I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life?

Proverbs 5:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 5:12

And say, how have I hated instruction
To live virtuously, and avoid the adulterous woman; this he says, as wondering at his stupidity, folly, and madness, that he should hate and abhor that which was so much his interest to have observed. Gersom interprets it of the instruction of the law; but it is much better to understand it of the instruction of the Gospel; which the carnal mind of man is enmity unto, and which they are so stupid as to abhor; when it is of so much usefulness to preserve from error and heresy, superstition, will worship, and idolatry; and my heart despised reproof;
for following the whorish woman; and which was secretly despised in the heart, and heartily too, if not expressed with the mouth: it is one part of the Gospel ministry to reprove for false doctrine and false worship, though it generally falls under the contempt of the erroneous and idolatrous.

Proverbs 5:12 In-Context

10 Why should you allow strangers to take advantage of you? Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?
11 You don't want to end your life full of regrets, nothing but sin and bones,
12 Saying, "Oh, why didn't I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life?
13 Why didn't I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously?
14 My life is ruined! I haven't one blessed thing to show for my life!" Never Take Love for Granted
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.