Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:32
He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses the reader within a wisdom collection, framing the choice between rejecting and accepting correction. The text positions this decision as a direct test of self-respect and intellectual growth.
The words — The text uses מוֹאֵס (mo.'Es) to describe the active rejection of discipline and ק֣וֹנֶה (Ko.neh) to describe the deliberate acquisition of a heart through correction. These terms establish a direct contrast between self-destruction and intentional growth.
The thread — This pattern of despising instruction versus heeding correction appears in Proverbs 1:7 and is echoed in Revelation 3:19, where divine rebuke is tied to love and repentance. The surrounding context in Proverbs 15:31 and 15:33 further links accepting correction to dwelling with the wise and pursuing humility.
Why it lands — The verse demands that the reader actively choose to receive correction rather than dismiss it. It requires the reader to treat discipline not as an insult but as the necessary means to gain understanding and preserve self-respect.
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 that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 1:24 Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand,
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Proverbs 8:33 Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
- Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
- Isaiah 1:5 Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted.
- Jeremiah 5:3 O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.
- Deuteronomy 21:18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined,
- Deuteronomy 21:20 and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
- Psalms 50:17 For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.