Proverbs 5:23

He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

He shall die {H4191} without instruction {H4148}; and in the greatness {H7230} of his folly {H200} he shall go astray {H7686}.

He will die from lack of discipline; the magnitude of his folly will make him totter and fall.

He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

He shall die for lack of instruction; And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Commentary

Context

Proverbs 5:23 concludes a chapter dedicated to warning against the perils of sexual immorality and the destructive allure of the "strange woman" or adulteress. Throughout the chapter, the father-teacher implores his son to heed wisdom and avoid her path. This verse acts as a solemn summary of the consequences for those who ignore this crucial instruction, emphasizing the ultimate spiritual and moral ruin that awaits them. It follows earlier warnings about the bitter end of such a path (Proverbs 5:4) and the lament of those who despise instruction (Proverbs 5:12).

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Rejecting Wisdom: The verse starkly illustrates that neglecting wise counsel, particularly concerning moral purity, leads to severe, even fatal, spiritual and existential consequences. It underscores that deliberate ignorance of divine truth is a path to destruction.
  • Folly's Self-Destructive Nature: The phrase "greatness of his folly" highlights how persistent, uncorrected foolishness inevitably causes one to "go astray" from the path of righteousness, leading to ruin. This is a direct consequence of a perverse heart and mind.
  • Spiritual and Moral Death: "Die without instruction" implies more than just physical death. It points to a life devoid of spiritual vitality, moral direction, and ultimately, eternal hope, a theme echoed in other wisdom literature.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "instruction" is musar (ืžื•ึผืกึธืจ), which signifies discipline, moral correction, and chastening. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but guidance intended to shape character and conduct.
  • "Folly" translates from 'iwwelet (ืึดื•ึผึถืœึถืช), denoting deep-seated foolishness, stupidity, and perverse action, often associated with moral obtuseness and a lack of sound judgment.
  • To "go astray" is shagah (ืฉึธืื’ึธื”), meaning to wander, to err, to reel, or to be led astray. It vividly pictures a life lost without direction, veering off the correct path.

Related Scriptures

The idea of dying without instruction is deeply connected to the broader theme in Proverbs that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction. This consequence of rejecting divine guidance is also seen in Proverbs 1:32, where "the turning away of the simple shall slay them." The concept of going astray due to lack of knowledge is further emphasized in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Ultimately, there are two paths: the narrow way of life and the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:23 serves as a powerful warning for all generations. It underscores the critical importance of embracing and obeying God's wisdom, not just intellectually, but as a guiding force for life's choices.

  • Seek and Heed Counsel: Actively seek out and submit to wise counsel, especially from God's Word and godly mentors. Ignoring truth can lead to profound and lasting negative consequences, particularly in matters of moral integrity.
  • Consequences of Stubbornness: The verse highlights the severe outcome of persistent stubbornness and self-will, especially when confronted with divine instruction. Folly, left unchecked, leads to a life of wandering and eventual ruin, both spiritually and practically.
  • The Path of Life: Choosing the path of instruction, though sometimes challenging, leads to life, stability, and genuine freedom, while rejecting it leads to a destructive trajectory. This applies to all areas of life, from personal morality to financial decisions and relationships.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 36:12

    But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

  • Job 4:21

    Doth not their excellency [which is] in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.

  • Proverbs 14:32

    ยถ The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

  • Proverbs 10:21

    The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

  • 2 Peter 2:15

    Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

  • 2 Peter 2:22

    But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

  • Psalms 81:12

    So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.
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