Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 15:32 - 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
" He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding. "
Proverbs 15:32
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
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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See here, first, the folly of people who will not be taught. They refuse instruction, turn away from it, and will not listen. They even turn their hearts against it. They reject correction, and will not accept it, even from God himself, but keep resisting what should lead them back.
Those who do this despise their own souls. They show that they think little of themselves and care little for their own good, as rational beings made for an eternal life. Instruction is meant to train the mind and prepare a person for that life. The root mistake of sinners is that they do not value their souls enough. Because of that, they neglect them, misuse them, endanger them, and put the body ahead of the soul. They harm the soul in order to please the body.
Second, here is the wisdom of those who are willing not only to be taught, but also to be corrected. A person who listens to reproof and changes the faults pointed out to him gains understanding. That understanding keeps his soul from evil paths and leads it in right ways. In doing so, he shows that he truly values his soul and gives it real honor.
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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