Proverbs 15:32-33

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 15:32

See here, 1. The folly of those that will not be taught, that refuse instruction, that will not heed it, but turn their backs upon it, or will not hear it, but turn their hearts against it. They refuse correction (margin); they will not take it, no, not from God himself, but kick against the pricks. Those that do so despise their own souls; they show that they have a low and mean opinion of them, and are in little care and concern about them, considered as rational and immortal, instruction... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 15:33

See here how much it is our interest, as well as duty, 1. To submit to our God, and keep up a reverence for him: The fear of the Lord, as it is the beginning of wisdom, so it is the instruction and correction of wisdom; the principles of religion, closely adhered to, will improve our knowledge, rectify our mistakes, and be the best and surest guide of our way. An awe of God upon our spirits will put us upon the wisest counsels and chastise us when we say or do unwisely. 2. To stoop to our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 15:32

He that refuseth instruction ,.... The instruction of parents, masters, ministers, and of God himself; or "correction" F25 מוסר "correctionem", Pagninus, Vatablus; "qui abstrahit se a castigatione", Piscator. , instruction either by the word or by the rod; he that withdraws himself from it, will not be in the way of it, that shuns, neglects, and despises it, or carelessly and contemptuously attends it: despiseth his own soul ; shows that he makes no account of it, has no regard... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom ,.... It is "the beginning of wisdom", Proverbs 9:10 ; it leads unto it, instructs a man in it; by means of it he attains to true spiritual and evangelical wisdom; it teaches him to abstain from sin, and to serve the Lord; and to seek the salvation of his soul in the way God has appointed, which is by his Son Jesus Christ, which to do is the highest wisdom; and before honour is humility ; the fear of God and humility go together,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 15:32

Despiseth his own soul - That is constructively; for if the instruction lead to the preservation of life and soul, he that neglects or despises it throws all as much in the way of danger as if he actually hated himself. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord - See note on Proverbs 1:7 . Much is spoken concerning this fear; It is the beginning of wisdom. It is also the beginning of knowledge. It is the instruction of wisdom. Wisdom derives its most important lessons from the fear of God. He who fears God much, is well taught. And before honor is humility - That is, few persons ever arrive at honor who are not humble; and those who from low life have risen to places of trust and confidence, have been remarkable for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:24-33

Religion and common sense What is religion without common sense? Fanaticism, extravagance, and folly. What is common sense without religion? Dry, bald, uninspired and uninspiring worldliness. What are they united? The wisdom of both worlds, the wisdom of time and of eternity. Let. us look at some of their combined teachings. I. TEACHINGS OF COMMON SENSE . 1 . To avoid danger and death. ( Proverbs 15:24 .) This is obvious enough, but, unguided by religion, prudence may... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:32

This verse carries on and puts the climax to the lesson of the preceding. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; "hateth himself," Septuagint; commits moral suicide, because he does not follow the path of life. He is like a sick man who thrusts away the wholesome medicine which is his only hope of cure. He that heareth (listeneth to) reproof getteth understanding ; literally, possesseth a heart, and therefore does not despise his soul, but "loves it" ( Proverbs 19:8 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; that which leads to and gives wisdom (see Proverbs 1:3 , Proverbs 1:7 , etc.; Proverbs 9:10 ). 'Pirke Aboth,' 3.26, "No wisdom, no fear of God; no fear of God, no wisdom. No knowledge, no discernment; no discernment, no knowledge." Before honour is humility ( Proverbs 18:12 ). A man who fears God must be humble, and as the fear of God leads to wisdom, it may be said that humility leads to the honour and glory of being wise and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 15:31-33

Proverbs 15:31-33. The ear that heareth the reproof of life The man that hearkens to and delights in that reproof and good counsel which lead to life; abideth among the wise He will thereby be made wise, and be esteemed one of that number: or rather, he seeks and delights in the company and conversation of the wise, by whom he may be admonished; as, on the contrary, fools, who hate reproof, avoid and abhor the society of wise men and reprovers, Amos 5:10. He that refuseth instruction... read more

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