Proverbs 15:5

KJV

¶ A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

KJV (with Strong's)

A fool {H191} despiseth {H5006} his father's {H1} instruction {H4148}: but he that regardeth {H8104} reproof {H8433} is prudent {H6191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A fool despises his father's discipline, but he who heeds warnings is prudent.

Berean Standard Bible

A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.

American Standard Version

A fool despiseth his father’s correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:5 presents a profound antithesis, sharply contrasting two distinct approaches to life and wisdom: the path of the foolish and the path of the prudent. It asserts that a "fool" demonstrates utter contempt for the formative guidance and discipline offered by a father, symbolizing a rejection of foundational wisdom and legitimate authority. Conversely, the individual who "regards reproof"—who humbly embraces correction and instruction—is characterized as "prudent," signifying a discerning, sensible, and practically wise person. This verse powerfully underscores the critical role of teachability and humility in acquiring and applying true wisdom, highlighting that one's response to correction is a defining mark of character and a determinant of one's trajectory in life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:5 is situated within the broader "Solomonic collections" (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), a significant portion of the book predominantly characterized by **antithetical parallelism**. This literary structure juxtaposes two contrasting ideas or statements to highlight a moral or theological truth, often presenting a clear dichotomy between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. Chapter 15 specifically delves into the profound impact of words, the inherent nature of righteous and wicked behavior, and the contrasting outcomes that result from wise versus foolish choices. This particular verse serves as a prime example of this pattern, presenting a stark contrast between the fool's rejection of instruction and the wise person's humble acceptance of reproof. It reinforces the overarching didactic purpose of the Book of Proverbs, which is to impart practical wisdom and spiritual understanding, guiding the reader towards a life that honors God and flourishes in His ways, frequently employing the intimate metaphor of a father instructing his son, as vividly illustrated in the opening exhortations of [Proverbs 1](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Purpose of Proverbs").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit, particularly the patriarchal structure, served as the foundational institution for education, moral formation, and the transmission of cultural and religious values. The father, alongside the mother, held significant authority and bore the primary responsibility for instructing children in the ways of the Lord and the practicalities of life. The concepts of "instruction" (`mûwçâr`) and "reproof" (`tôwkêchâh`) were integral to this formative process, encompassing not only verbal teaching but also discipline, correction, and even chastisement aimed at character development and moral rectitude. To "despise" a father's instruction was not merely a personal slight or a minor act of rebellion; it constituted a profound rejection of the established social order, divine wisdom, and the very foundation of communal well-being. This societal emphasis on honoring parents and receiving their guidance is deeply rooted in the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment") and permeates the entirety of Israel's wisdom literature, reflecting a core value of obedience and respect for authority.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 15:5 contributes significantly to several central themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **Indispensable Value of Instruction and Discipline**, portraying them as essential catalysts for moral, spiritual, and practical growth. Secondly, it sharply contrasts **Humility versus Arrogance**, demonstrating that the fool's rejection of instruction stems from an unteachable spirit rooted in pride, while the prudent person's acceptance of reproof is a clear mark of humility and a genuine desire for self-improvement. This aligns seamlessly with the proverb that "[Pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"), and a haughty spirit before a fall." Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Process of Acquiring Wisdom**, illustrating that prudence is not an innate quality but rather a cultivated disposition developed through a willingness to learn, adapt, and be corrected. Finally, it powerfully reinforces the **Consequences of Choices**, vividly illustrating that one's attitude and response to guidance directly determine whether they walk the path of folly, leading to ruin, or the path of prudence, leading to flourishing, echoing the foundational principle that "[The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"), but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fool (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be perverse," this term denotes someone who is "silly" or "foolish." In the context of Proverbs, an `ʼĕvîyl` is not primarily characterized by a lack of intellectual capacity, but rather by a profound moral and spiritual deficiency. This individual is marked by stubbornness, arrogance, and a deliberate unwillingness to learn, accept correction, or heed wise counsel. Their folly is a chosen disposition, manifested in a contempt for wisdom and a disregard for the inevitable consequences of their actions.
* **Despiseth (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** This primitive root signifies "to scorn," "abhor," "contemn," or "provoke." It conveys an active, deliberate, and often contemptuous rejection. The fool does not merely ignore instruction; they look down upon it, treating it as insignificant, worthless, or beneath them. This attitude reveals a profound lack of respect for the source of wisdom and a deep-seated pride that resists any form of external guidance.
* **Prudent (Hebrew, _ʻâram'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be cunning," which can carry a negative connotation, but here is used in a positive sense to mean "sensible," "discerning," or "practically wise." The `ʻâram` individual possesses foresight, exercises sound judgment, and skillfully navigates life's complexities. This practical wisdom and discernment are often presented as a direct result of their teachability, their willingness to accept correction, and their ability to learn from experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A fool despiseth his father's instruction:":** This initial clause vividly identifies the character and defining behavior of the "fool." The fool is portrayed as an individual who actively scorns, treats with contempt, and willfully rejects the formative guidance, discipline, and moral training lovingly offered by their father. This rejection is not a passive oversight but an intentional act of defiance and disrespect, stemming from an unteachable spirit and an inflated sense of self-sufficiency. It highlights a fundamental flaw in character that actively impedes personal growth, leads to repeated error, and ultimately results in self-inflicted harm.
* **"but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."** This second clause presents a sharp and illuminating contrast, defining the character and positive outcome of the wise individual. The person who "regards reproof" is one who carefully attends to, values, internalizes, and actively responds to correction and rebuke. This teachable spirit, marked by humility, a willingness to acknowledge error, and a genuine desire for improvement, leads directly to prudence. Prudence, in this context, signifies the practical wisdom, discernment, and good judgment necessary to navigate life successfully, make sound decisions, and avoid the pitfalls that ensnare the foolish.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 15:5 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structural pattern is a hallmark of much of the Book of Proverbs, where two lines or clauses express opposing ideas, creating a sharp **contrast** that effectively highlights a moral or theological truth. In this verse, the first clause describes the negative behavior and inevitable outcome of the "fool" who despises instruction, while the second clause presents the positive behavior and beneficial outcome of the "prudent" person who humbly regards reproof. This stark juxtaposition powerfully emphasizes the divergent consequences of one's attitude towards wisdom and correction, making the choice between folly and prudence abundantly clear and impactful for the reader. The astute use of contrasting verbs ("despiseth" vs. "regardeth") and contrasting nouns ("fool" vs. "prudent"; "instruction" vs. "reproof") further amplifies this parallel structure, reinforcing the central message with compelling clarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:5 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of wisdom as a divine attribute and a gift graciously offered to humanity. The "father's instruction" can be seen as a microcosm of God's divine instruction, which is ultimately for our flourishing, sanctification, and eternal good. To despise such instruction, whether it originates from an earthly father or, more profoundly, from God Himself, is to reject the very source of life, truth, and ultimate wisdom. Conversely, embracing reproof aligns one with God's corrective and refining hand, demonstrating a humble and teachable spirit that God honors, guides, and blesses. This verse underscores that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or cleverness but a practical, moral, and spiritual disposition that eagerly welcomes correction, recognizing that it is a divinely ordained pathway to righteousness, spiritual maturity, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with the divine Instructor. It highlights the profound truth that God's discipline, though at times painful or uncomfortable, is always administered for our ultimate benefit, shaping us into the image of His beloved Son.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Proverbs 12:1](/proverbs/12-1 "Love for Instruction")
* [Proverbs 9:8](/proverbs/9-8 "Rebuke the Wise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:5 offers a timeless and profound challenge for rigorous self-examination and continuous personal and spiritual growth. In a contemporary world that often champions radical self-reliance, resists external criticism, and is prone to defensiveness, this proverb calls us to cultivate a counter-cultural and radical humility—a genuine willingness to receive, and even actively seek out, corrective feedback. Whether this guidance comes from parents, trusted mentors, spiritual leaders, or even through the difficult, refining experiences of life, instruction and reproof are invaluable tools for shaping our character, correcting our course, and deepening our wisdom. Embracing teachability means humbly acknowledging our inherent blind spots, admitting our imperfections, and trusting that external guidance, especially that which is firmly rooted in God's infallible Word, is ultimately for our profound good. It transforms potential stumbling blocks into powerful stepping stones, leading us away from the perilous pitfalls of foolishness and towards a life richly marked by discernment, sound judgment, and an ever-increasing spiritual maturity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to "despise" or actively resist instruction, and what underlying reasons might explain this resistance?**
* **From whom do I most readily receive reproof, and from whom do I find it most challenging to accept correction? What does this reveal about my current level of humility and trust?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more profoundly "teachable spirit" in my daily interactions, my professional life, and my spiritual walk with God?**
* **What concrete, specific steps can I take to truly "regard" or internalize correction when it is offered, rather than merely hearing it passively?**

### FAQ
**What does "a fool" mean in the context of Proverbs?**

Answer: In the Book of Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: `ʼĕvîyl`) is not primarily defined by a lack of intellectual capacity or intelligence. Instead, the term denotes a person characterized by a deep-seated moral and spiritual deficiency. This individual is typically stubborn, arrogant, and fundamentally resistant to wisdom, instruction, and correction. Their foolishness is presented as a chosen disposition and a settled character trait, leading them to despise sound guidance and ultimately resulting in negative, often self-inflicted, consequences for themselves and those around them. It represents a character defined by an active rejection of God's ways and sound counsel, frequently rooted in pride, as vividly seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") where it states that "fools despise wisdom and instruction."

**Why is "his father's instruction" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The specific mention of "his father's instruction" reflects the foundational patriarchal and familial structure of ancient Israelite society, where the father served as the primary educator and moral guide within the home. This phrase symbolizes foundational, authoritative, and often loving guidance passed down through generations, representing the essential wisdom and discipline necessary for a child's proper development and successful integration into the community. More broadly, in the wisdom literature, it can also represent any legitimate source of authority and divine wisdom that seeks to impart truth and correction, echoing the ultimate divine instruction that flows from God, our heavenly Father. The profound importance of parental instruction and its reception is a recurring and central theme throughout the Book of Proverbs, as highlighted in passages like [Proverbs 4:1-4](/proverbs/4-1 "Proverbs 4:1-4 - Hear, My Children, the Instruction of a Father").

**How does one "regard reproof" in a practical sense?**

Answer: To "regard reproof" (Hebrew: `shâmar tôwkêchâh`) means far more than simply hearing criticism or being exposed to correction; it implies actively guarding, valuing, and deeply internalizing the correction received. Practically, this involves several crucial steps: listening attentively without immediate defensiveness, reflecting deeply on the feedback provided, seeking to understand its underlying truth and validity, and then making a conscious, intentional effort to apply the necessary changes to one's behavior, attitudes, or perspective. It requires profound humility to admit fault, keen discernment to sift through criticism (whether it's fully valid or partially so), and disciplined effort to implement lasting change. This teachable spirit, which embraces correction as a gift, stands in stark contrast to the "brutish" or foolish person who actively hates and rejects reproof, as described in [Proverbs 12:1](/proverbs/12-1 "Proverbs 12:1 - Whoso Loveth Instruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:5 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the prudent individual and stands in absolute contrast to the fool described in the proverb. While the proverb speaks of human fathers, it powerfully points to the divine Father from whom all true instruction and wisdom ultimately flow. Jesus, as the very [Wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), perfectly received and flawlessly lived out the Father's instruction, demonstrating unwavering obedience even unto the agonizing death on the cross, as profoundly described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). He never despised the Father's will but always sought to do it with perfect submission, declaring, "[My food is to do the will of him who sent me](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Father's Will") and to finish his work." Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of divine reproof and instruction, speaking truth with unparalleled authority and calling all humanity to genuine repentance. Unlike the fool who stubbornly rejects correction, those who truly follow Christ "regard" His words, allowing His Holy Spirit to convict, transform, and guide them, leading them to genuine prudence, spiritual flourishing, and eternal life. His life is the supreme example of a perfectly teachable spirit, not because He lacked wisdom, but because He perfectly submitted to the divine plan, becoming the sacrificial [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a path of perfect obedience and ultimate wisdom that leads to salvation.

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 15:31

¶ The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

Proverbs 15:32

¶ He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Proverbs 13:18

¶ Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Proverbs 13:1

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

Proverbs 19:20

¶ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Titus 1:13

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

1 Chronicles 22:11

Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.