Proverbs 15:10

KJV

¶ Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.

KJV (with Strong's)

Correction {H4148} is grievous {H7451} unto him that forsaketh {H5800} the way {H734}: and he that hateth {H8130} reproof {H8433} shall die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Discipline is severe for one who leaves the way, and whoever can't stand correction will die.

Berean Standard Bible

Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

American Standard Version

There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; And he that hateth reproof shall die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:10 issues a severe warning regarding the consequences of rejecting divine instruction and embracing a life contrary to wisdom. It highlights the inherent resistance to correction found in those who have deliberately abandoned the path of righteousness, asserting that such a refusal to accept guidance leads to a profound and ultimately destructive spiritual demise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15 forms part of the larger collection of Solomonic wisdom, specifically within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16). This chapter is characterized by its sharp contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, and the life-giving power of right speech versus the destructive nature of wrong words. Verses immediately preceding Proverbs 15:10, such as [Proverbs 15:8](/proverbs/15-8 "Proverbs 15:8 - The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked"), speak of the Lord's disposition towards different types of people, while verses following, like [Proverbs 15:11](/proverbs/15-11 "Proverbs 15:11 - The Lord sees all"), emphasize God's omniscience. Proverbs 15:10 fits seamlessly into this discourse by illustrating a core principle: God's wisdom, often conveyed through correction, is essential for life, and its rejection is perilous. It underscores the practical implications of choosing a "way" (moral path) and the Lord's ultimate judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs originates from ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in a covenant relationship with Yahweh. Wisdom literature, including Proverbs, served as a primary means of moral and theological instruction, often passed down from parents to children and from sages to disciples. The "way" (`derek`) in ancient Near Eastern thought, as well as in Israelite wisdom, was not merely a physical road but a comprehensive metaphor for one's entire life course, character, and moral conduct. To "forsake the way" meant to abandon the established, righteous path prescribed by God's law and societal norms. Correction and reproof were integral to the educational process, seen not as punitive measures alone, but as necessary tools for shaping character and ensuring adherence to the covenant. The family unit and the community played crucial roles in enforcing these standards, making the acceptance of correction a sign of humility and teachability, while its rejection was a mark of stubborn pride.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 15:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **The Two Ways**, a pervasive motif throughout Proverbs that contrasts the path of wisdom leading to life and the path of folly leading to death (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked")). The verse clearly places the rejection of correction on the latter, destructive path. Secondly, it highlights the **Value of Instruction and Discipline**, portraying `mûwçâr` (correction/discipline) and `tôwkêchâh` (reproof/admonition) as vital for spiritual health, even if initially unpleasant. This aligns with the broader message that true wisdom involves a teachable spirit and submission to guidance (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). Lastly, it underscores the **Consequences of Stubbornness and Pride**, showing that a persistent refusal to heed wise counsel results in severe, self-inflicted ruin, often described as "death" in a holistic sense, encompassing spiritual, social, and existential decay (e.g., [Proverbs 1:24-32](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-32 - Wisdom's Invitation and Rejection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Correction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to discipline" or "to instruct," encompasses more than just punishment. It refers to a comprehensive process of chastisement, reproof, warning, and instruction aimed at moral and spiritual formation. It is the discipline that guides one towards wisdom and righteousness, often involving discomfort or pain.
* **Forsaketh (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root means "to loosen," "to relinquish," or "to abandon." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and active choice to leave or desert "the way"—the path of moral rectitude, divine truth, or wise living. It implies a conscious turning away from what is right.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** While literally meaning physical death, in the wisdom literature of Proverbs, "to die" often carries a broader, figurative sense. It denotes a profound spiritual, existential, and relational demise. It signifies a life devoid of God's blessing, marked by ruin, isolation, and a lack of true vitality and flourishing, rather than merely the cessation of breath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way":** This clause establishes a direct correlation between the experience of correction and the moral stance of the individual. For someone who has deliberately abandoned the righteous path (`the way`), the very act of correction (discipline, instruction, reproof) is perceived as "grievous" (Hebrew: `raʻ`, meaning evil, bad, harmful, or unpleasant). This "grievousness" is not necessarily inherent in the correction itself, but in the rebellious heart of the one receiving it. Their chosen path of folly makes any attempt to redirect them feel like an attack or an unbearable burden, rather than a helpful guide.
* **"[and] he that hateth reproof shall die":** This second clause intensifies the warning, presenting a stark consequence for a specific attitude. "Reproof" (Hebrew: `tôwkêchâh`) refers to admonition, rebuke, or reasoned correction. To "hate" it signifies an utter, deep-seated aversion and rejection of any guidance or wisdom that challenges one's chosen course. The outcome, "shall die," is not limited to physical death but points to a comprehensive spiritual and existential ruin. It implies a life that progressively loses its vitality, purpose, and connection to God's blessing, leading to ultimate destruction and separation from true life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause (`he that hateth reproof shall die`) reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first (`Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way`). "Correction" and "reproof" are presented as closely related concepts, while "grievous unto him that forsaketh the way" and "shall die" both describe the negative outcome of rejecting wisdom, with the latter being a more severe articulation of the former. The verse also utilizes **Metaphor** with "the way" (`ʼôrach`), which serves as a powerful symbol for one's moral and spiritual life course. To "forsake the way" is to abandon the path of righteousness. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is present in the phrase "shall die," as it extends beyond mere physical death to encompass a broader concept of spiritual and existential ruin, emphasizing the extreme severity of rejecting divine wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:10 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that God's discipline, though often painful, is an expression of His love and a necessary means for spiritual growth and preservation. The refusal to submit to this corrective process is not merely an intellectual disagreement but a deep-seated rebellion against the very wisdom that leads to life. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in moral governance, where choices have inevitable consequences, and a life lived in persistent rejection of His truth will naturally lead to decay and ruin, both in this life and eternally. It highlights the critical importance of a teachable spirit, which is foundational to a life of wisdom and righteousness in the eyes of God.

* [Proverbs 12:1](/proverbs/12-1 "Proverbs 12:1 - Love for Instruction")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for His Children")
* [Psalm 1:6](/psalm/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:10 stands as a timeless challenge to our natural human inclination to resist correction and cling to our own chosen paths. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of humility and teachability, recognizing that true wisdom often comes through the uncomfortable process of being corrected. If correction feels "grievous," this verse invites deep introspection: Is it the correction itself that is the problem, or is it our own stubborn adherence to a "way" that is contrary to God's design? Embracing reproof, whether from God's Word, a trusted mentor, or even a difficult circumstance, is not a sign of weakness but of profound strength and a desire for genuine flourishing. To reject it is to choose a path of self-destruction, leading to a life increasingly devoid of peace, purpose, and the blessings that flow from walking in alignment with divine wisdom. This proverb urges us to choose the path of life, which often begins with the humble acceptance of necessary, albeit painful, correction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When was the last time I received correction or reproof, and how did I respond?**
* **What "way" or habit in my life might be causing correction to feel "grievous" rather than helpful?**
* **How can I cultivate a more teachable spirit, actively seeking and embracing feedback for growth?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a form of "death" (spiritual stagnation, relational decay, lack of peace) due to a refusal to accept guidance?**

### FAQ
**What does "shall die" truly mean in this proverb?**

Answer: In the context of Proverbs and much of biblical wisdom literature, "shall die" (Hebrew: `mûwth`) extends beyond mere physical death. While physical death is certainly a part of the human condition, here it primarily signifies a comprehensive spiritual, existential, and relational demise. It refers to a life progressively devoid of God's blessing, marked by ruin, isolation, and a lack of true vitality and flourishing. It implies a separation from the source of life and wisdom, leading to a barren and ultimately self-destructive existence. This "death" is the natural consequence of persistently rejecting divine truth and wisdom, as seen in passages that contrast the "way of life" with the "way of death" (e.g., [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man")).

**Why is correction "grievous" to those who forsake the way?**

Answer: Correction is "grievous" (Hebrew: `raʻ`, meaning bad, evil, unpleasant) to those who have abandoned the righteous path because it directly confronts their chosen lifestyle and deeply held, albeit destructive, beliefs. For someone who has turned away from God's "way," correction feels like an attack on their autonomy, their desires, or their self-justifications, rather than a helpful guide. Their heart is set on a different course, and any attempt to redirect them is met with resistance and perceived as painful or harmful, precisely because it challenges their comfortable, yet ultimately ruinous, choices. This is often a matter of pride and a refusal to acknowledge one's error, making the truth feel like an assault.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, the very "Way, the Truth, and the Life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "correction" and "reproof" that are so grievous to those who forsake the way are perfectly manifested in Christ's teachings and His call to repentance. To reject Christ's words is to reject the very wisdom of God, leading to spiritual "death." Conversely, those who humble themselves and receive His correction, embracing His way, find true life. Jesus Himself faced utter rejection from those who "hated reproof" and preferred their own "way" over His truth, ultimately leading them to crucify the Lord of Glory ([1 Corinthians 2:8](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - The Rulers of this Age Crucified the Lord of Glory")). Yet, His death and resurrection offer the ultimate "correction" for humanity's sin, providing the path back to life. Through faith in Him, we are disciplined and refined, not unto death, but unto eternal life and abundant flourishing, as He promises to give life "more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief and the Good Shepherd")). Thus, Proverbs 15:10 foreshadows the stark choice presented by Christ: embrace His truth and live, or reject it and perish.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 12:1

¶ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.

Proverbs 13:1

¶ A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

John 3:20

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Proverbs 10:17

¶ He [is in] the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

Proverbs 5:12

And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

John 7:7

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Ezekiel 24:13

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.