Proverbs 19:27

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge.

Complete Jewish Bible:

My son, if you stop heeding discipline, you will stray from the principles of knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible:

If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

American Standard Version:

Cease, my son, to hear instruction Onlyto err from the words of knowledge.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Cease{H2308}, my son{H1121}, to hear{H8085} the instruction{H4148} that causeth to err{H7686} from the words{H561} of knowledge{H1847}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Mark 4:24

  • And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

1 Timothy 6:3

  • If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

1 Timothy 6:5

  • Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Matthew 7:15

  • Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Proverbs 14:7

  • ¶ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.

1 John 4:1

  • ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Corinthians 11:13

  • For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

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Commentary for Proverbs 19:27



Proverbs 19:27, "Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge," is a piece of wisdom literature from the Hebrew Bible, attributed to King Solomon. This verse is part of a collection of sayings that are intended to guide individuals in living a life of wisdom and virtue. The historical context of this verse is set within the broader scope of ancient Israelite society, where oral tradition and instruction played a crucial role in the transmission of cultural values, religious beliefs, and practical knowledge.

The theme of Proverbs 19:27 is the importance of discernment in the pursuit of wisdom. The verse advises the reader, addressed as "my son," to be selective in the teachings and instructions they accept. It warns against guidance that leads one away from true knowledge—implying that not all advice is beneficial or truthful. The use of the word "cease" suggests an active choice to stop listening to such misleading instruction, emphasizing personal responsibility in seeking out and adhering to wise teachings.

In essence, this proverb encourages critical thinking and the exercise of judgment in choosing one's teachers and influencers. It reflects the value placed on wisdom and understanding in ancient Israelite culture and offers timeless advice about the importance of aligning oneself with truth and knowledge rather than being swayed by false or harmful teachings. The verse underscores the idea that wisdom is not just about receiving information but about evaluating its source and integrity. This message remains relevant in contemporary society, where individuals are bombarded with a multitude of perspectives and teachings, and the ability to discern truth from error is as crucial as ever.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H2308
    There are 56 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָדַל
    Transliteration: châdal
    Pronunciation: khaw-dal'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle; cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want.
  2. Strong's Number: H1121
    There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בֵּן
    Transliteration: bên
    Pronunciation: bane
    Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
  3. Strong's Number: H8085
    There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁמַע
    Transliteration: shâmaʻ
    Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
    Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
  4. Strong's Number: H4148
    There are 50 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מוּסָר
    Transliteration: mûwçâr
    Pronunciation: moo-sawr'
    Description: from יָסַר; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
  5. Strong's Number: H7686
    There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁגָה
    Transliteration: shâgâh
    Pronunciation: shaw-gaw'
    Description: a primitive root; to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication) to reel, (figuratively) be enraptured; (cause to) go astray, deceive, err, be ravished, sin through ignorance, (let, make to) wander.
  6. Strong's Number: H561
    There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֵמֶר
    Transliteration: ʼêmer
    Pronunciation: ay'-mer
    Description: from אָמַר; something said; answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word.
  7. Strong's Number: H1847
    There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דַּעַת
    Transliteration: daʻath
    Pronunciation: dah'-ath
    Description: from יָדַע; knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly).