Proverbs 15:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.

NIV: Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

NASB: There is severe punishment for one who abandons the way; One who hates a rebuke will die.

CSB: Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

NLT: Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

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

NKJV: Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.

Scripture often symbolizes God's truth and wisdom as a path (Psalm 16:11; 25:10; Proverbs 4:18; 15:21). To step off the established path means entering uncertain, dangerous, and often deadly areas. Whoever strays from the path can expect consequences.

Because God loves His children, He disciplines them when they wander from the narrow path. Hebrews 12:6 teaches that "the Lord disciplines the one loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." His intent is not to crush our spirit (Proverbs 15:4), but to keep us from harm. God's plan is to make his erring child better, not bitter, to draw him closer, not push him away, to lift him up, not put him down.

When a person responds well to discipline, they confess their sin and receive cleansing. First John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." However, if the wayward person rejects correction, death may result. First John 5:16–17 exhorts believers to pray for a brother who sins, but explains there is sin that leads to death, for which believers should not pray

Proverbs 15:6–12 contrasts the righteous and the wicked; in the context of the book of Proverbs, these two groups are also defined as those who are "wise" and those who are "foolish." Many of these comparisons are from God's perspective. Even good deeds and rituals performed by those who disobey God are offensive to Him. And yet, He accepts the prayers of those who sincerely seek His will. The Lord loves those who love Him, but He consigns the wicked to eternal punishment (Proverbs 10:29).

Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.

Chapter 10 began a long list of Solomon's wise sayings. This passage continues to emphasize common themes such as hard work, humility, godly wisdom, and self-control. This extended collection of proverbs continues through much of chapter 22.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.