Proverbs 15:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

NIV: A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

NASB: A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who complies with rebuke is sensible.

CSB: A fool despises his father's discipline, but a person who accepts correction is sensible.

NLT: Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

KJV: A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

NKJV: A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

Solomon writes once again about the relationship of a son to his father's instruction (Proverbs 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 7:1; 13:1). Those who take care to follow wisdom can avoid many harms (Proverbs 14:15–18).

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 conveys the Lord's command to parents to instruct their children in the Lord's commands. He tells them to instruct their children both at home and outside the home, in both formal and informal sessions. Foremost among these teachings is the command to love God "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5).

This same advice also applies to parents in the modern era. Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to bring their children up under godly wisdom, and with careful words. In the same chapter, children are commanded to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1). Solomon notes that rejecting a wiser man's teaching is unwise; the sensible person listens to good advice. He accepts correction and alters his lifestyle accordingly (Proverbs 10:17).

Proverbs 15:1–5 focuses on the wisdom of responding correctly to disagreement and correction. Several verses note the value in "soft" or "gentle" answers in resolving conflict. Those who unleash a torrent of attacks and criticisms are foolish, compared to those who take the time to consider an answer. Solomon reminds the reader that God sees and knows all, and he gives another reminder of the importance of listening to wise counselors.

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.

Accessed 5/2/2024 5:34:09 PM