Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:1, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
American Standard Version
A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction; But a scoffer heareth not rebuke.
World English Bible version
A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:1 Meaning & Commentary
A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 (ESV)
It is very wise to take advice or instruction in life. Even if we do not take every single bit of advice – at least having our hearts open to it is very important: Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
We can choose to be open to advice, instruction, or counsel – or we can have our hearts closed off to it. Proverbs 13:1 says that a scoffer does not listen to rebuke – which is not necessarily the same as instruction or advice, however, it can be similar. A rebuke is usually when somebody corrects somebody else rather sternly. It can come in the form of some warning. A scoffer is someone who looks down upon another or does not take them seriously. So, in the context of Proverbs 13:1, a scoffer will not take a rebuke seriously. It may be something very valid, important, and potentially even lifesaving.
The Bible references a wise son taking instruction from a father. This is important because there is usually a lot of value locked up in older people who have more life experience: Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. The reality is that experience is a great teacher in life, and those with more experience than us should be able to impart wisdom into our lives. In the world, we see people hiring coaches and mentors – which is a great way to “fast track” success. By finding someone who is (usually) further along than us in a particular field, we can tap into their experiences, mistakes, and failures and learn from them. How much more can sons learn from their fathers? Even if the father is not perfect and has made some mistakes along the line, only a fool would think there is nothing to be learned!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:1 to our lives?
We need to keep our hearts humble and teachable, which positions us to take others’ advice, instruction, and counsel. We need to keep our hearts “soft” and not allow pride to enter our hearts: Proverbs 29:1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. When The Bible talks about “stiffening our neck,” it refers to resisting God: Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
Our relationship with God is reflected in our relationship with other people! If we claim that we are humble before God, teachable, and sensitive to God’s leading and prompting, we will at least be open to listening to instruction from others. The Bible makes it clear that God can, and does speak through other people: 1 Peter 4:11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. So, being closed-hearted to what other people say shows that we are closed-hearted toward God!
Knowing that God can and does use people to speak as His oracle, why would we close off our hearts toward God? So, if we find that we cannot receive instruction and “scoff” when others rebuke us – we need to check our hearts before God. Humility is our responsibility, as The Bible says that we need to humble ourselves:
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. If we do not walk in humility, we open ourselves up to danger as we close off our hearts toward God and toward other people whom God uses as His vessels! We will do well to keep our hearts open to instruction – after all, it could be God’s instruction to us through another person!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask that you forgive me when I have hardened my heart. I choose today to humble myself so that I can be open to receiving instruction, Wisdom, and guidance in life.
I pray and ask that you bring the right people into my life who can help me grow and be a better person. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
