Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 15:5 - 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
" A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence. "
Proverbs 15:5
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
3 The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
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So this teaches, first, that those in authority should give instruction and correction to the people under their care, since they will answer for it on the day of judgment. They must teach with knowledge and also correct with zeal. Both should be done with the authority and care of a father, and they should keep at it even if they do not see quick results. If instruction is ignored, they should still give reproof and sharp correction. It is hard for gentle people to find fault and disturb others, but it is better to do that than to let them keep going unchecked toward ruin.
It also teaches that those under authority should accept instruction and correction, not only endure them when they are hard, but value them as a kindness. They should use them to guide their steps and keep them in mind. That is a sign of wisdom, and it helps make them wiser. But anyone who brushes aside a good upbringing is a fool, and he is likely to live and die that way.
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 15:6
"In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble."
Proverbs 15:7
"The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools."
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