Proverbs 10:17 Meaning: Heed instruction & reject reproof

Introduction

Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:17, here’s different Bible translations:

King James Version

American Standard Version

World English Bible version

Proverbs 10:17 Meaning & Commentary

In this verse in Proverbs, we see a contrast between someone who listens to (heeds) instruction and someone who rejects correction (reproof). The one is said to be on the path to life, and the other on the path to leading others astray. Firstly, let’s look at someone who heads instruction. The qualities of such a person which come to mind are teachability, humility, eagerness to learn and grow, and someone who does not think they have it all figured out. It’s easy to see why The Bible says that such a person is on the path to life (or success). They are the sort of person who is always seeking knowledge, understating, insight, better ways to do things, etc.

They are positioning themselves to succeed in life. It takes certain qualities of character to heed and listen to advice from others. So, it is not so much the fact that these people listen to advice from other people, only, but more about the qualities that they possess in themselves. A person who thinks they know it all, is always right, and thinks they know best will not be able to receive instruction and correction from others!

Meanwhile, a person who rejects reproof, correction, or instruction is not on the path to life, but as The Bible says, is on a path to lead others astray. Jesus spoke about someone who thought they could lead others but would end up bringing destruction to themselves and others: Matthew 15:14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. So, someone who thinks they are above reproof is not only in danger themselves, but because they see no error or problem with themselves, they are in danger of also leading others astray and into a pit!

Application

How then can we practically apply Proverbs 10:17 to our lives?

We need to seriously examine our hearts and attitudes. If we feel that we are above instruction, reproof, or correction, that is a big red flag. Instruction and correction can come to us in different ways; God can speak to us through His Word, directly to us, or what is usually the most difficult, use other people to speak to us. We usually do not like to be corrected by others, as this can feel deeming at times, but if we walk in humility, we should welcome it! It could just be that some advice, suggestions, or reproof could even save our lives.

Certainly, if we cannot accept reproof or correction ourselves, we are in no position to be correcting, reproving, or leading others. How could we lead someone to where we have not been to? Or how can we train and coach someone in an area that we have failed to succeed in? So, we need to be able to lead ourselves first before we can even think about leading others. If we cannot lead ourselves, we have no business leading anyone else!

The Bible says that a wise man listens to commands: Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. So, someone who does the opposite lacks God’s Wisdom. So, a good starting point is to admit we are wrong, humble ourselves, and begin to ask God for wisdom and seek out knowledge and understanding. This is a good starting point to put ourselves on the path to life!

Prayer

 Heavenly Father, I come to you right now in Jesus’ name, and I ask that you forgive me where I may have sinned against you by having a hard heart and not being able to accept reproof, correction, and instruction. I choose right now to humble myself and admit that I need your reproof and correction in my life, in whichever way it may come. I desire to walk on the path which leads to life so that I may walk in your will and purposes myself but may also be able to lead others into life as well. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!