One who is on the path of life follows instruction, But one who ignores a rebuke 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.
- BSB Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
- NKJV He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction 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 1:5–11Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;
- Prov 15:10There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.
- Prov 5:12and say, “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
- Prov 6:23For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
- Luke 11:28But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
- Prov 3:18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her.
- Prov 12:1Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
- Prov 4:13Take firm hold of instruction. Don’t let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.
- Matt 7:24–27“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.
- Prov 3:1–2My son, don’t forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments:
- Prov 29:1He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
- Prov 1:25–26but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof;
- Prov 4:4He taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live.
- Eccl 5:6Don’t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don’t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?
- Heb 12:25See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven,
- Prov 1:30They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof.
- Heb 2:1Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away.
- 2 Chr 25:16As he talked with him, the king said to him, “Have we made you one of the king’s counselors? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” Then the prophet stopped, and said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my counsel.”
- Prov 22:17–19Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
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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.