Proverbs 1:23

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Turn {H7725} you at my reproof {H8433}: behold, I will pour out {H5042} my spirit {H7307} unto you, I will make known {H3045} my words {H1697} unto you.

Repent when I reprove -I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make my words known to you.

If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.

Turn you at my reproof: Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you; I will make known my words unto you.

Context of Proverbs 1:23

Proverbs 1:23 is part of a crucial section (Proverbs 1:20-33) where Wisdom is personified, crying out in public places, inviting people to listen and turn from their foolish ways. This passage contrasts the allure of sinful paths (Proverbs 1:10-19) with the life-giving call of divine wisdom. Here, Wisdom issues a direct challenge and a profound promise to those who respond to her correction, serving as a divine invitation before a stern warning about the consequences of rejection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Call to Repentance: The phrase "Turn you at my reproof" is a direct command to change direction, to heed the correction and instruction offered by divine wisdom. The Hebrew word for "reproof," tokhachat (תּוֹכַחַת), signifies not just a scolding, but a corrective instruction or conviction designed to lead to improvement and life. It highlights the necessity of humility and responsiveness to God's guidance.
  • Divine Initiative and Grace: Wisdom's promise, "behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you," reveals God's gracious initiative. It's not merely that humans seek wisdom, but that God actively desires to impart spiritual understanding and insight. This outpouring is contingent upon the turning, yet it is a gift, not an earned reward.
  • Revelation of God's Word: The promise, "I will make known my words unto you," assures those who respond that they will receive deeper understanding of God's divine truths and commands. This signifies a profound spiritual illumination, enabling the recipient to comprehend and live by God's principles. This making known of God's revealed words is essential for wisdom and righteous living.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Reproof" (tokhachat - תּוֹכַחַת): As noted, this term conveys the idea of correction, rebuke, or instruction aimed at restoration. It's a key concept in Proverbs, emphasizing the value of accepting discipline for growth (Proverbs 15:31).
  • "Spirit" (ruach - רוּחַ): This Hebrew word can mean breath, wind, or spirit. In this context, it refers to God's divine influence, enabling spiritual perception and understanding. This promise of pouring out the spirit is a remarkable foreshadowing of the future outpouring of God's Spirit, as prophesied by Joel and fulfilled at Pentecost.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:23 provides a powerful call to action for believers today. It underscores that:

  1. Humility is Key: We must be willing to accept correction, whether it comes through God's Word, circumstances, or godly counsel. Rejecting reproof leads to spiritual stagnation and error.
  2. God Desires to Reveal Himself: When we humble ourselves and turn to Him, God promises to impart His Spirit and make His truth known to us. This results in deeper spiritual insight and understanding of His will.
  3. Divine Guidance is Available: For those who listen to the voice of personified Wisdom, there is a promise of profound personal revelation and guidance, leading to a life aligned with God's purposes.

This verse encourages active engagement with divine wisdom, promising transformative understanding and spiritual empowerment for those who choose to listen and obey.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 33:11

    Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

  • Acts 3:19

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

  • Ezekiel 18:27

    Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

  • Ezekiel 18:30

    ¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

  • Joel 2:28

    ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • Acts 2:36

    Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

  • Acts 2:38

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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