Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
Parallel translations
- WEB He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
- KJV He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
- NKJV He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.
- NASB One who is on the path of life follows instruction, But one who ignores a rebuke goes astray.
- NLT People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Heeding correction is the way of life, but rejecting reproof leads others astray. Receiving discipline blesses you and those who follow you.
Overview
The one who accepts correction walks the path of life, while the one who spurns reproof not only errs himself but misleads others. Our response to instruction has consequences beyond ourselves. This reflects the biblical value of teachableness and the responsibility that comes with influence (Hebrews 12:11).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 19
- 2 Pet 1:5–11For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
- Prov 15:10Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
- Prov 5:12and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!
- Prov 6:23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
- Luke 11:28But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
- Prov 3:18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
- Prov 12:1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
- Prov 4:13Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
- Matt 7:24–27Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
- Prov 3:1–2My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
- Prov 29:1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
- Prov 1:25–26because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction,
- Prov 4:4he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.
- Eccl 5:6Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?
- Heb 12:25See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?
- Prov 1:30They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof.
- Heb 2:1We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
- 2 Chr 25:16While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.”
- Prov 22:17–19Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge—
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 10:17 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.