King James Version

What Does Proverbs 15:10 Mean?

Proverbs 15:10 in the King James Version says “Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Correction: or, Instructio...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Correction: or, Instruction”

Proverbs 15:10 · KJV

Context

8

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9

The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

10

Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Correction: or, Instruction

11

Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

12

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

Read Proverbs 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Musar ra le'ozev orach (מוּסָר רָע לְעֹזֵב אֹרַח, discipline is evil to one forsaking the path). Those abandoning the right way find correction ra (רָע, evil, grievous, offensive). Sone tokhachat yamut (שׂוֹנֵא תוֹכַחַת יָמוּת, hating reproof will die). Active hatred of correction leads to death. The proverb warns that resistance to discipline reveals and produces spiritual death. Hebrews 12:5-11 teaches that God disciplines those He loves; rejecting discipline indicates illegitimacy and leads to ruin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, prophets brought divine correction. Those who received it (like David after Nathan's rebuke, 2 Samuel 12) found life. Those who hated reproof (like Ahab opposing Micaiah, 1 Kings 22) perished. The exile resulted from generations rejecting prophetic correction (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Post-exilic reforms came through receiving Ezra's and Nehemiah's reproof. The pattern continues—accepting correction produces life; hating it brings death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you typically respond to correction—with receptivity or resistance?
  2. What does your attitude toward reproof reveal about your spiritual state and trajectory?
  3. How can you cultivate a heart that receives correction as God's loving discipline rather than finding it grievous?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מוּסָ֣ר1 of 7

“Correction”

H4148

properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint

רָ֭ע2 of 7

“is grievous”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְעֹזֵ֣ב3 of 7

“unto him that forsaketh”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֹ֑רַח4 of 7

“the way”

H734

a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan

שׂוֹנֵ֖א5 of 7

“and he that hateth”

H8130

to hate (personally)

תוֹכַ֣חַת6 of 7

“reproof”

H8433

chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)

יָמֽוּת׃7 of 7

“shall die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 12:1Proverbs 13:1John 3:20Proverbs 10:17John 7:71 Kings 22:8

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