Bible Strands
Proverbs 10:17
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text is a collection of wisdom sayings attributed to Solomon, addressed to a student or general audience seeking practical conduct. It sits within a sequence of parallel proverbs contrasting the outcomes of righteous labor and wicked gain with the concealment of hatred and slander.
The words — The Hebrew term שׁוֹמֵר (sho.Mer) means "keeps" or "heeds," paired with מוּסָר (mu.Sar), rendered here as "discipline" or "instruction." Its antithesis uses וְ/עוֹזֵב (ve./'o.Zev), meaning "neglects," paired with תּוֹכַחַת (to.Kha.chat), meaning "rebuke" or "reproof."
The thread — The theme of accepting or rejecting correction appears in Proverbs 15:10 and Proverbs 5:12, which link the refusal of reproof with severe consequences. Luke 11:28 shifts the focus to hearing and obeying God’s word as the source of blessing.
Why it lands — The text states that heeding instruction places a person on the path to life, while ignoring reproof causes them to go astray. It requires the reader to actively accept correction rather than dismiss it, treating guidance as a necessary condition for life.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:10 Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
- Proverbs 5:12 and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!
- Luke 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
- Proverbs 6:23 For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
- 2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
- Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
- Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
- Proverbs 4:13 Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
- Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
- Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;