Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:32, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
American Standard Version
He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
World English Bible version
He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
Proverbs 15:32 Meaning & Commentary
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. – Proverbs 15:32 (ESV)
No one enjoys discipline just for the sake of it because it is not easy and takes commitment and sacrifice. However, Proverbs 15:32 says that if someone disregards discipline, they ‘despise’ themselves. This is a strong statement, but why would The Bible say this? It is because discipline brings many ‘benefits’ to our lives.
Discipline primarily comes in two different ways. Either we are disciplined by someone else or choose to discipline ourselves. For example, we either discipline ourselves to be on time and punctual for work, or we may find our employer disciplining us. When we ‘disregard’ discipline, we are potentially setting ourselves up for disaster. This is why Proverbs 15:32 says that someone who does this despises themselves because the fruit it produces is destructive and harmful!
Furthermore, when we live undisciplined lives, we are developing bad habits, and an undisciplined life is the opposite of how God wants us to live, which is with self-control: Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The second part of Proverbs 15:32 says that someone who heeds correction gains understanding. Nobody knows or understands everything; however, we can all learn something from one another – especially from those who have wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that they can impart into our lives.
When we are attentive and open to their correction, we position ourselves to gain understanding. By listening to correction and rebuke, we are actually ‘loving ourselves’ because we receive something that can help us grow and improve. In the same way, someone who refuses to accept discipline into their life is potentially setting themselves up for failure.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 15:32 to our lives?
If we receive any form of discipline, correction, or rebuke in our lives, we have a choice of how we will respond. We may not like it; however, if we receive it with a good heart and the right attitude, it will yield a good harvest in our lives: Hebrews 12:11 – For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
When we take discipline ‘to heart,’ we position ourselves to grow in understanding, develop the fruit of The Spirit and move toward success. Discipline should, however, not need to be enforced by someone else. Instead, we need to practice discipline ourselves – which is very similar to self-control. When we live disciplined lives, although we are enforcing ‘boundaries’ into our lives, we do it for our own growth and protection. Paul the apostle understood this well and likened our spiritual lives to an athlete:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
This is why Paul could be a leader to other leaders – he imposed discipline on himself and did not need external forces to do it for him. Furthermore, we can receive correction, reproof, and training – not only from others, but from God’s word directly: 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. As we spend time in God’s word, seek to apply it to our lives, and receive from mentors and those who can sharpen us, we will grow in our walk with God and understanding!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to a life of discipline. Please forgive me for where I have not received discipline with a good attitude. Help me to grow in self-control from this moment forward and help me to embrace discipline and correction with the right heart so that I can grow from it. I ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
