TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 19:27.
This is a good caution to those that have had a good education to take heed of hearkening to those who, under pretence of instructing them, draw them off from those good principles under the influence of which they were trained up. Observe, 1. There is that which seems designed for instruction, but really tends to the destruction of young men. The factors for vice will undertake to teach them free thoughts and a fashionable conversation, how to palliate the sins they have a mind to and stop the mouth of their own consciences, how to get clear of the restraints of their education and to set up for wits and beaux. This is the instruction which causes to err from the forms of sound words, which should be held fast in faith and love. 2. It is the wisdom of young men to turn a deaf ear to such instructions, as the adder does to the charms that are designed to ensnare her. "Dread hearing such talk as tends top instil loose principles into the mind; and, if thou art linked in with such, break off from them; thou hast heard enough, or too much, and therefore hear no more of the evil communication which corrupts good manners."
Continue studying Proverbs 19:27 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Proverbs 19:27 delivers a profound paternal warning, urging the "son" to actively disengage from and reject any teaching or counsel that deviates from divine truth. It underscores the critical importance of spiritual and intellectual discernment in selecting sources of instruction, highlighting the inherent danger of passively absorbing ideas that lead one astray from the foundational principles of God's revealed wisdom. This proverb serves as an imperative call to vigilance, emphasizing that true knowledge, rooted in God's Word, is the only safeguard against error and a prerequisite for walking in righteousness.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 19:27 is nestled within the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-29), which primarily consist of individual, often antithetical or synonymous, wisdom sayings designed to impart practical and theological truth. This particular verse fits seamlessly into the broader pedagogical framework of the book, where a wise father consistently addresses his "son," offering guidance on how to navigate life's complexities righteously. The immediate context of Proverbs 19 presents a mosaic of moral instructions: Proverbs 19:26 condemns those who mistreat their parents, while Proverbs 19:28 speaks against false witnesses. Within this tapestry, verse 27 specifically targets the internal reception of ideas, emphasizing that the source and content of instruction are paramount to one's moral and spiritual trajectory. The recurring motif of the father-son relationship throughout the book, as seen in passages like Proverbs 1:8, establishes an authoritative and relational context for the transmission of wisdom, framing it not as abstract philosophy but as vital, life-shaping counsel.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the transmission of wisdom was primarily a familial and communal responsibility. Fathers, in particular, bore the sacred duty of instructing their children in the ways of the Lord, ensuring the continuity of covenant faithfulness across generations. This educational model is deeply rooted in the Torah, as exemplified by the command in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, which calls for diligent instruction in God's statutes. The "son" in Proverbs represents not only a literal offspring but also a spiritual disciple or any individual seeking wisdom, making the proverb's counsel universally applicable. The cultural landscape of the ancient Near East was replete with various forms of wisdom, some leading to life and others to destruction. Therefore, the ability to discern between true, divinely-inspired wisdom and misleading, human-centric or pagan instruction was not merely an academic exercise but a matter of spiritual survival and societal well-being. The "words of knowledge" implicitly refer to the revealed truth of God, distinguishing it from the speculative or idolatrous wisdom of surrounding nations.
Key Themes
Proverbs 19:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the paramount theme of Discernment, urging the audience to actively and critically evaluate the source and content of all instruction rather than passively accepting it. This directly aligns with the broader biblical call for wisdom, which is defined as the ability to make righteous choices and grasp divine truth, as underscored in Proverbs 4:7. Secondly, the verse explicitly addresses the stark dichotomy between Truth vs. Error, warning against "instruction that causeth to err" and contrasting it sharply with "the words of knowledge." This fundamental opposition is a consistent motif throughout Proverbs, which consistently presents two paths: the path of wisdom leading to life and flourishing, and the path of folly leading to destruction, as vividly portrayed in Proverbs 4:18-19. Finally, it underscores the vital theme of Personal Responsibility in one's spiritual and intellectual development. The imperative to "cease" places the onus squarely on the individual to actively guard their mind and heart from harmful influences, emphasizing the proactive role required in pursuing and preserving true wisdom.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to be flabby, i.e. (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle." In this context, it functions as a strong imperative command, urging a conscious and deliberate cessation of an action. The "son" is commanded not merely to stop passively but to actively disengage from the harmful practice of listening to misleading instruction. It implies a decisive break from a dangerous habit or influence.
This word properly means "chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint." While mûwçâr often carries a positive connotation, referring to beneficial discipline or moral teaching, here it is qualified by the subsequent phrase, indicating a form of teaching that, despite its outward appearance or intention, leads to error. This highlights that not all "instruction" is good or beneficial; some can be profoundly detrimental.
This primitive root means "to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication) to reel, (figuratively) be enraptured." In Proverbs 19:27, it vividly describes the dangerous consequence of heeding certain instruction: it causes one to wander off the right path, to make a moral or intellectual mistake, or to be led astray from truth, often with serious spiritual implications.
Verse Breakdown
"Cease, my son, to hear"
This opening imperative establishes a direct, authoritative command from a father figure to his son, emphasizing the urgency and personal responsibility involved. The verb "cease" (châdal) is a strong injunction to stop an ongoing action or to refrain from initiating it. The act of "hearing" (shâmaʻ) here implies much more than mere auditory reception; it encompasses attentive listening, heeding, internalizing, and obeying. The instruction is not simply to block out sound, but to actively refuse to give attention, credence, or obedience to certain teachings.
"the instruction [that causeth] to err"
This clause precisely specifies the dangerous nature of the instruction from which the son must cease. The term "instruction" (mûwçâr) refers to discipline, teaching, or moral guidance. However, it is immediately and critically qualified by the phrase "that causeth to err" (shâgâh), indicating that this particular instruction is deceptive, misleading, and actively leads one astray from the correct path of righteousness and truth. It serves as a crucial warning that not all teaching is beneficial; some can actively lead to moral, spiritual, or intellectual deviation.
"from the words of knowledge"
This final phrase clarifies the absolute standard against which the misleading instruction is measured and from which it deviates. "Words of knowledge" (ʼêmer of daʻath) refers to sound understanding, divine wisdom, and established truth, particularly God's revealed Word. It represents the true, reliable, and unchanging source of guidance. The implication is that the instruction to be avoided is that which pulls one away from what is genuinely known and true, leading them into ignorance or error rather than deeper understanding.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is the Imperative Mood, evident in the opening command "Cease," which underscores the non-negotiable and immediate nature of the instruction. This direct address, "my son," functions as a form of Apostrophe and is characteristic of the pervasive Paternal Instruction motif found throughout the wisdom literature, establishing a relational yet authoritative tone that personalizes the advice for the reader. The verse also skillfully utilizes Antithesis by contrasting "instruction that causeth to err" with "the words of knowledge." This stark opposition highlights the two mutually exclusive outcomes of different types of counsel: deviation from truth versus adherence to it. Furthermore, there is an implied Metaphor of a path or journey, where "to err" signifies straying from the correct course, and "words of knowledge" represent the true guide or map for life's journey. The compact, aphoristic nature of the proverb itself is a form of Conciseness, designed for memorability and impactful delivery, distilling complex wisdom into a digestible, actionable statement.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 19:27 speaks profoundly to the theological necessity of discernment in a world saturated with competing voices and ideologies. It underscores that truth is not relative, but rather a fixed, divine standard—"the words of knowledge"—from which any deviation constitutes error. This principle is foundational to biblical faith, which consistently warns against false prophets, deceptive teachings, and the dangers of spiritual blindness. The proverb implicitly calls believers to a posture of critical evaluation, not cynicism, but a commitment to test all things against the plumb line of divine revelation. It reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not just acquiring knowledge, but also wisely guarding against influences that would lead us away from it, recognizing that spiritual error can be as destructive as moral transgression. This active discernment is a mark of true wisdom and a safeguard for one's soul.
Reflection and Application
In an age of unprecedented information flow, diverse perspectives, and pervasive digital media, Proverbs 19:27 stands as an evergreen beacon for the discerning heart. It challenges us to move beyond passive consumption of information—whether from social media, news outlets, educational institutions, or even religious pulpits—and to actively engage in the critical evaluation of every message. The imperative "Cease, my son, to hear" demands a proactive stance: we must intentionally filter what we allow into our minds and hearts, recognizing that ideas have profound consequences. This means cultivating a deep familiarity with "the words of knowledge"—God's unchanging truth as revealed in Scripture—so that we can readily identify and reject anything that causes us to err from it. Our spiritual health, moral compass, and eternal trajectory are profoundly shaped by the voices we choose to heed, making discernment not merely a good habit, but a vital spiritual discipline for navigating the complexities of life faithfully and for guarding the integrity of our faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "instruction that causeth to err" specifically refer to?
"Instruction that causeth to err" refers to any teaching, advice, counsel, philosophy, or ideology that deviates from or contradicts God's revealed truth. This can encompass a wide range of influences, from explicit false doctrines and heresies that deny core biblical tenets to subtle worldly wisdom, deceptive ideologies, or even well-intentioned but misguided advice that ultimately leads one away from righteous living or sound biblical principles. The phrase emphasizes that such instruction doesn't just lead to a different path, but specifically to "err"—to wander, stray, make a mistake, or fall into moral or spiritual transgression. It's a warning against anything that pulls an individual away from the "words of knowledge," which represent divine wisdom and truth, and instead guides them toward spiritual or moral misdirection.
How can a modern believer apply Proverbs 19:27 in a world with so much information?
In today's information-saturated world, applying Proverbs 19:27 is more critical and challenging than ever. Modern believers must cultivate a robust sense of discernment as a primary spiritual discipline. This involves several key practices:
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 19:27, with its urgent call to "cease... to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a source of knowledge, but the very embodiment of "the words of knowledge" and indeed, Truth incarnate (John 14:6). In a world saturated with misleading voices, deceptive philosophies, and spiritual counterfeits, Christ stands as the singular, unwavering standard of truth. Any instruction, teaching, or worldview that deviates from Him, His teachings, or His person, is precisely the "instruction that causeth to err." The New Testament consistently warns believers against false teachers and doctrines that would lead them astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). To "cease" from hearing such error is to turn wholeheartedly to Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). His words are "spirit and life" (John 6:63), providing the only true and unerring instruction that leads to eternal life and genuine wisdom. Therefore, the Christ-centered fulfillment of this proverb is found in discerningly rejecting all that is not Christ, and instead fixing our gaze and our hearing upon Him, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).