Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:5, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
American Standard Version
A fool despiseth his father's correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
World English Bible version
A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.
Proverbs 15:5 Meaning & Commentary
A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. – Proverbs 15:5 (ESV)
Everyone on earth has a father – although some people may not have met their fathers or have any relationship with them, everyone has a father in some way, shape, or form – otherwise, they would not be here on earth. The Bible tells us in this verse that a fool despises his father’s instruction. The word “instruction” is the Hebrew word “musar,” which can also mean discipline, chastening, or correction.
Therefore, we can gauge a few things already from this example. Firstly, the example used in this verse indicates that the father is present in the child’s life. Secondly, it suggests that the father loves and cares for the child – enough to correct, disciple, or instruct them where they may be going wrong. Lastly, a foolish person will “despise” this sort of instruction or correction from their father. A father represents someone older, wiser, more mature, and with more life experience.
Our mothers and fathers carry a wealth of life experience and are the ones who have helped raise us and shape us into who we are today: Proverbs 23:22 – Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Fathers have more life experience than us and can help us avoid some of the mistakes they might have made! The second part of Proverbs 15:5 says that “whoever heeds reproof is prudent.” This speaks of someone who can be corrected or challenged and “heeds” or receives the correction. It takes humility and a teachable spirit to receive correction.
It is a great foundation to build a successful life because when someone thinks they “know it all,” they are setting themselves up for failure! This is indicative of pride, and wherever pride is, a fall could follow very closely behind it: Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Conversely, humility (teachability, willingness to learn, and not always thinking we are correct) precedes honor: Proverbs 18:12 – Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:5 to our lives?
If we cannot even receive correction from our own father or anybody who is a “father figure,” we need to make some serious adjustments in our life! First and foremost, it shows the condition of our hearts if we are hard-hearted and unable to be corrected. The Bible warns us that if we become hard-hearted and can no longer receive correction, we are setting ourselves up for disaster: Proverbs 29:1 – He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
Our heart condition is the root issue – we must deal with our pride. The Bible says that humbling ourselves is our responsibility – not God’s responsibility: James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. One of the keys that we see in The Bible to humble ourselves is through prayer and fasting: Psalm 69:10 – When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. Then, another key is to guard our hearts: Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
This means that when we are tempted to think more highly of ourselves, we must take those thoughts captive, humble ourselves, and renew our minds with God’s Word. The truth is that being unable to accept correction and instruction is a symptom of a greater issue in our hearts. When we get our hearts right before The Lord, we will not only be able to accept correction and reproof, but we will gladly welcome it! When we welcome it in our lives and allow it to challenge us, it has the potential to bear good fruit:
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.
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for Your word, which constantly challenges me to go to a higher level. Please forgive me where I have been hard-headed and closed off to change and correction.
I ask right now for wisdom to apply your word in my life. I choose today to go through the process of humbling myself and applying Your Word in every area of my life. I ask this all right now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
