Proverbs 5:12

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

And say {H559}, How have I hated {H8130} instruction {H4148}, and my heart {H3820} despised {H5006} reproof {H8433};

"How I hated discipline! My whole being despised reproof,

and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!

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

Commentary

Proverbs 5:12 captures the bitter lament of someone who has suffered severe consequences due to their refusal to heed wise counsel and moral guidance. This verse is a poignant expression of regret, articulating the self-inflicted pain of a life lived contrary to wisdom.

Context

This verse is found within a powerful warning in Proverbs Chapter 5 against the allure and destructive consequences of sexual immorality, specifically personified as the "strange woman" or adulteress. The chapter outlines the initial sweetness of forbidden pleasure, followed by its devastating end, which is "bitter as wormwood" (Proverbs 5:4). Verse 12 is part of the climactic regret expressed by the one who falls prey to this temptation, vividly describing the self-reproach experienced when the full weight of their folly becomes apparent. The preceding verses detail how such a path leads to loss of wealth, health, and reputation (Proverbs 5:10-11).

Key Themes

  • The Bitter Fruit of Disobedience: The verse powerfully illustrates that ignoring divine and parental instruction ultimately leads to deep regret and self-condemnation. The "saying" reflects a moment of painful realization of one's own destructive choices.
  • Rejection of Wisdom: The phrases "hated instruction" (Hebrew: musar, discipline or moral teaching) and "despised reproof" (Hebrew: tokachath, correction or rebuke) highlight a deliberate and active rejection of guidance. This is not passive ignorance but an active aversion to truth and correction, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs regarding the fool's disdain for wisdom.
  • The Value of Correction: By showing the dire outcome of rejecting correction, the verse implicitly underscores the immense value of instruction and reproof. True wisdom embraces discipline as a path to life and blessing, not a burden.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong verbs: "hated" (Hebrew: sane') and "despised" (Hebrew: na'ats). These are not mild dislikes but intense, active rejections. The heart, in biblical thought, is the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, emphasizing that the rejection of wisdom was a deep, internal choice, not merely an external act. The term musar (instruction) often carries the connotation of parental discipline, highlighting the foundational guidance that was spurned.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:12 serves as a timeless warning to all generations. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards instruction and correction. Do we view guidance, especially from God's Word and godly counsel, as a burden or a blessing? Embracing instruction and humbly receiving reproof are essential for spiritual growth and avoiding the painful regrets described here. This verse encourages teachability and discernment, reminding us that reproofs of instruction are the way of life. Ultimately, the path of wisdom offers life, while the rejection of it leads to sorrow and destruction, as the one who dies without instruction goes astray in their folly (Proverbs 5:23).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 12:1

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

  • Proverbs 1:7

    ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  • Proverbs 15:5

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

  • Proverbs 1:22

    How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

  • Proverbs 1:25

    But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

  • Zechariah 1:4

    Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

  • Zechariah 1:6

    But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
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