King James Version

What Does Proverbs 15:32 Mean?

Proverbs 15:32 in the King James Version says “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. instruction: or,...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. instruction: or, correction heareth: or, obeyeth getteth: Heb. possesseth an heart”

Proverbs 15:32 · KJV

Context

30

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

31

The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. instruction: or, correction heareth: or, obeyeth getteth: Heb. possesseth an heart

33

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Read Proverbs 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. Pore'a musar mo'es nafsho (פּוֹרֵעַ מוּסָר מוֹאֵס נַפְשׁוֹ, one refusing discipline despises his soul). Rejecting instruction is self-hatred. Veshome'a tokhachat qoneh-lev (וְשׁוֹמֵעַ תּוֹכַחַת קוֹנֶה־לֵב, but one hearing reproof acquires heart/understanding). Qanah lev (literally "acquires heart") means gets understanding, gains wisdom. Accepting correction is self-love through growth. The proverb challenges us to prove love for ourselves through humility toward reproof.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom traditions emphasized teachability. The wise sought correction; fools rejected it. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts these responses (10:17, 12:1, 13:18, 15:5). Biblical examples include David receiving Nathan's rebuke (2 Samuel 12) versus Rehoboam rejecting elders' counsel (1 Kings 12). Christians should welcome biblical correction as God's loving discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you receive correction as loving yourself (gaining wisdom) or refuse it as despising yourself (remaining foolish)?
  2. Who in your life provides godly reproof, and are you listening to them?
  3. How can you cultivate a heart that craves rather than resents correction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
פּוֹרֵ֣עַ1 of 8

“He that refuseth”

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

מ֭וּסָר2 of 8

“instruction”

H4148

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

מוֹאֵ֣ס3 of 8

“despiseth”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

נַפְשׁ֑וֹ4 of 8

“his own soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְשׁוֹמֵ֥עַ5 of 8

“but he that heareth”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

תּ֝וֹכַ֗חַת6 of 8

“reproof”

H8433

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

ק֣וֹנֶה7 of 8

“getteth”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

לֵּֽב׃8 of 8

“understanding”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 15:32 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 15:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 1:24-33Revelation 3:19Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 8:33-36Isaiah 1:5Proverbs 18:15

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