Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 15:31 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise. "
Proverbs 15:31
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.
31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.
32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
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A wise person is willing to be corrected. Because of that, he chooses to spend time with people whose words and example show him what is wrong in him. An ear that can accept correction will come to love the one who gives it.
These faithful, friendly corrections are called “the reproofs of life.” They are called that partly because they should be given in a lively, wise, and earnest way, and because we should correct others by the way we live as well as by what we teach. They are also called that because, when people receive them well, they become a means of spiritual life and lead to eternal life. Some think this phrase also sets them apart from harsh blame and insults for doing good, which are more like “reproofs of death,” and should not move us.
Those who are wise enough to accept correction will become wiser still (Proverbs 9:9). In time, they will be counted among the wise and will gain both the skill and the standing to correct and guide others. Those who learn well and obey well are often the ones who later teach well and lead well.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:2
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly."
Proverbs 15:3
"The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good."
Proverbs 15:4
"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit."
Proverbs 15:5
"A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence."
Proverbs 15:6
"In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble."
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