Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:31, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
American Standard Version
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.
World English Bible version
The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31 Meaning & Commentary
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. – Proverbs 15:31 (ESV)
Throughout the book of Proverbs, we see several keys given to us that enable us to ‘unlock’ success in our lives. We find a powerful key in Proverbs 15:31 which can set us up for success. This verse says that an ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. This is a powerful promise, but how or why will this cause us to dwell among the wise? We know that wisdom rubs off on other people: Proverbs 13:20 -Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
It is one thing to rub shoulders with a person who has wisdom, but this does not necessarily mean we will be open to receiving from them. We need to make a conscious decision to be open and receptive to receiving wisdom from others. If we think we know it all, our hearts will be closed off and ‘unreceptive’ to wisdom or ‘life-giving reproof.’ What exactly is reproof?
The word ‘reproof’ in Proverbs 15:31 is the Hebrew word ‘towkechah,’ which can also be translated as rebuke, correction, or punishment. The truth is that wisdom often comes ‘disguised’ as a rebuke or a correction. One of the most obvious examples is when a parent corrects their child for doing something wrong. This can be something small and seemingly insignificant or something big like stealing, which can have dire consequences. The child’s parents will often correct them – out of love. How the child accepts the correction is essential for their development, and if received correctly, can put them on the path to ‘dwelling among the wise.’
This same principle is at work in all aspects of life – business, ministry, work, or another area. By inclining our ears to receive ‘reproof,’ we set ourselves up for godly wisdom!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:31 to our lives?
Our goal in life should always be to constantly ‘level up.’ Of course, our walk with God is most important. However, there are many other areas we can level up in, which aren’t necessarily directly linked to our walk with God but impact it.
Some examples of these are our health and our finances. This is one of the primary reasons that YouTube has become as popular as it is – people are looking for knowledge to ‘level up’ in life. Mentors are one of the best and easiest ways to ‘level up.’ We should be actively looking for mentors who can take us to the next level in life. In-person mentors are best, as there is a personal relationship that happens, and we get sharpened when we come alongside other people: Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
When engaging with our mentors, we need to be open and receptive to receiving from them – even, and especially ‘life-giving reproof.’ How do we know if reproof is life-giving or not? Any reproof which challenges us to be better or do better can be life-giving! Even if the reproof is not necessarily godly or ‘right’ in our perception, if we can learn from it, it can be life-giving to us! Whenever we engage with other people, we should be intent first and foremost on listening carefully and intently: James 1:19 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…
This should be even more applicable when we are listening to those whom we know can impart to us and take us to a new level in life. If we listen with an open ear and an open heart, we can easily find a ‘life-giving reproof’ that we can take to heart and use to ‘level up’ in wisdom and find ourselves dwelling amongst the wise as God elevates our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the wisdom found in Your word. Help me be a doer of Your word, not a hearer only. I ask for Wisdom today to apply Your word in my life. I pray that You will surround me with people further along in me than life – who can impart wisdom and help me get to the next level in life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
