Proverbs 5:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:23 serves as a stark and sobering conclusion to the father's urgent warnings against sexual immorality, encapsulating the dire and inevitable consequences for those who reject divine wisdom and instruction. It declares that a life lived in persistent defiance of moral guidance and God's precepts inevitably leads to spiritual and existential ruin, characterized by a profound lack of direction and an ultimate, tragic demise rooted in uncorrected and pervasive foolishness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:23 forms the culminating statement of a chapter primarily dedicated to a father's urgent admonition to his son concerning the insidious dangers of the adulteress and the deceptive allure of illicit sexual pleasure. The chapter commences with an earnest appeal to heed wisdom's words and incline one's ear to understanding [Proverbs 5:1-2](/proverbs/5-1 "Heed Wisdom's Words"), establishing the foundational call to embrace divine guidance. It then vividly describes the seductive nature of the "strange woman," detailing her smooth words and flattering lips, only to immediately expose the bitter and sharp consequences of her embrace, likening her end to "wormwood" and a "two-edged sword" [Proverbs 5:3-4](/proverbs/5-3 "The Bitter End of the Adulteress"). The father warns against the devastating loss of one's honor, wealth, and health that accompanies such a path [Proverbs 5:7-11](/proverbs/5-7 "Consequences of Immorality"), culminating in the poignant lament of the one who, in hindsight, despised instruction and hated reproof [Proverbs 5:12-14](/proverbs/5-12 "The Lament of the Unwise"). The chapter then pivots, advocating for fidelity within marriage as the true source of joy, satisfaction, and life-giving intimacy [Proverbs 5:15-20](/proverbs/5-15 "Rejoice in Your Wife"). The final verses, including [Proverbs 5:21-23](/proverbs/5-21 "God Sees All"), reiterate God's omnipresence and omniscient judgment, emphasizing that one's own iniquities will ensnare the wicked, leading them to "die without instruction" and "go astray" in their folly. This concluding verse thus acts as a powerful, summarizing pronouncement of the ultimate, tragic fate of those who choose the path of moral rebellion and rejection of wisdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, deeply embedded within the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, reflects a patriarchal society where a father's instruction to his son was a primary and revered mode of education and moral formation. Wisdom literature, found across cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia, often employed didactic poetry to transmit practical ethics, social norms, and theological truths. In ancient Israel, moral purity, particularly sexual fidelity within the covenant of marriage, was not merely a personal choice but a foundational communal and covenantal obligation. Adultery was a grave offense, explicitly prohibited by the Ten Commandments [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "You Shall Not Commit Adultery") and punishable by death under the Mosaic Law [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Punishment for Adultery"). The "strange woman" (often translated as "foreign woman" or "adulteress") represented not just a literal seductress but also, metaphorically, the embodiment of alluring, destructive paths that deviated from the covenant and the wisdom of God. The consequences described in Proverbs, while often metaphorical or spiritual, also carried tangible social, economic, and familial repercussions in a society where reputation, family lineage, and community standing were paramount. The emphasis on "instruction" (Hebrew: *musar*) highlights the critical importance of oral teaching, discipline, and moral correction in shaping a righteous life, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite pedagogy and covenantal living.

* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 5:23](/proverbs/5-23 "The Fate of the Uninstructed") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God and Divine Accountability**, reminding the reader that one's actions are never hidden from God's omniscient sight, as explicitly stated in [Proverbs 5:21](/proverbs/5-21 "God Sees All"). This divine oversight ensures that all choices have ultimate consequences. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom and Instruction**. The entire book of Proverbs posits a stark dichotomy between the path of wisdom, which leads to life, blessing, and flourishing [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Blessings of Wisdom"), and the path of folly, which inevitably leads to destruction, death, and ruin [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Folly Leads to Death"). This verse explicitly states the fatal outcome of despising *musar* (instruction/discipline), demonstrating the direct link between moral choices and life outcomes. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Self-Destructive Nature of Folly**. The phrase "greatness of his folly" is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a deep-seated moral perversion and stubbornness that actively causes one to "go astray," illustrating how sin, left unchecked and uncorrected, becomes an internal, self-propelling force leading to one's own demise. This concept aligns with the broader theme that "the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble" [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "The Path of the Wicked"), highlighting the blindness and self-inflicted harm inherent in a life of uncorrected foolishness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From a primitive root, this word signifies to die, either literally or figuratively; causatively, to kill. In the context of Proverbs 5:23, "die" extends beyond mere physical cessation of life. It denotes a profound spiritual and existential demise, a life devoid of vitality, purpose, and ultimately, hope. This is presented as a direct and inevitable consequence of rejecting divine wisdom and instruction, leading to a state of spiritual lifelessness and ultimate separation from the source of true life.
* **instruction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** Derived from the root `yasar`, this term properly means chastisement. Figuratively, it encompasses reproof, warning, discipline, doctrine, and moral correction. It refers to the comprehensive guidance and moral training intended to shape one's character and conduct, distinguishing it from mere intellectual knowledge. To die "without instruction" is to perish having stubbornly rejected or been deprived of the very means of moral and spiritual formation, thereby remaining uncorrected in one's destructive path.
* **folly (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** From the same root as `ʼeviyl` (fool), this word denotes silliness, foolishness, or foolishness in action. In this verse, "folly" is not simply a lack of intelligence but a deep-seated moral obtuseness, a perverse mindset, and a stubborn disposition that leads to destructive choices. It signifies a refusal to learn from experience or divine guidance, resulting in a life characterized by irrational and self-destructive behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall die without instruction":** This clause pronounces a severe and multifaceted judgment. The "death" described here is primarily spiritual and existential, encompassing a state of moral decay, spiritual lifelessness, and ultimately, an eternal separation from God, the source of all true life. This dire outcome is directly attributed to the absence or deliberate rejection of "instruction" (*musar*), which includes divine discipline, moral guidance, and the formative wisdom offered by God. It implies a life trajectory that, lacking the necessary correction and guidance, inevitably spirals into ruin and profound regret.
* **"and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.":** This second clause elaborates on the mechanism of destruction, serving as a parallel reinforcement of the first. The phrase "in the greatness of his folly" emphasizes the overwhelming, pervasive, and uncorrected nature of the individual's foolishness, indicating a deep-seated and defining moral deficiency rather than a minor misstep. This profound and unbridled folly is the active agent that causes the person to "go astray" (*shagah*), meaning to wander, err, or be led astray from the path of righteousness, truth, and moral integrity. It vividly portrays a life lost, directionless, and ultimately self-destructive, driven by an inherent moral perversity rather than divine wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:23 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn and urgent warning. **Parallelism**, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetry, is prominently displayed in the two clauses, where the idea of perishing "without instruction" is powerfully reinforced and elaborated by the consequence of going astray "in the greatness of his folly." This creates a strong sense of inevitable consequence and mutual reinforcement between cause and effect, emphasizing the direct link between rejecting wisdom and experiencing ruin. **Metaphor** is central to the verse, as "die" and "go astray" are not limited to literal physical death or geographical wandering but serve as profound metaphors for spiritual, moral, and existential ruin. The phrase "greatness of his folly" employs **hyperbole** to underscore the profound and overwhelming nature of the individual's foolishness, suggesting it is not a minor lapse but a pervasive, defining characteristic that consumes and directs their life. The verse also functions as a form of **synecdoche**, where "instruction" stands in for the entire body of divine wisdom, moral guidance, and disciplinary correction, and "folly" represents the comprehensive and stubborn rejection of that wisdom. Together, these devices create a stark, memorable, and impactful statement about the ultimate and tragic fate of those who disregard God's truth and choose a path of uncorrected foolishness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:23 articulates a fundamental theological principle: the profound and often fatal consequences of persistently rejecting divine wisdom and instruction. It underscores that God's moral order is not optional; defiance of it leads to a self-inflicted spiritual and existential death. This "death without instruction" is not merely a lack of knowledge but a state of being cut off from the very source of life and truth, a condition where one's own uncorrected folly becomes the guiding, destructive force. The verse highlights God's justice in allowing those who persistently choose foolishness to reap its inevitable bitter harvest, emphasizing that true life, flourishing, and purpose are found only in alignment with His precepts and in submission to His wise discipline. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that wisdom is not merely intellectual but a path of life, and folly is a path of destruction and spiritual barrenness.

* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "The Turning Away of the Simple Shall Slay Them")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "The Narrow and Wide Gates to Life and Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:23 serves as a timeless and urgent call to embrace and submit wholeheartedly to divine instruction. It warns against the insidious nature of uncorrected folly, which, left unchecked, inevitably leads to a life devoid of true purpose, spiritual direction, and ultimately, vital connection with God. The "death without instruction" is a sobering reminder that our choices, particularly in matters of moral purity and integrity, have profound, eternal consequences. To avoid this tragic end, we are compelled to actively seek, receive, and diligently apply God's wisdom in every area of our lives. This means cultivating a teachable spirit, being open to correction and reproof, and allowing the transformative power of God's Word to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions. It challenges us to recognize that true freedom and abundant life are found not in self-will or unrestrained desires, but in the disciplined pursuit of righteousness and the humble submission to divine truth. This verse compels us to ask ourselves if we are truly listening to the wisdom God provides, or if we are allowing our own uncorrected foolishness to lead us astray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly resisting or actively neglecting God's instruction and discipline?**
* **How does my "folly" manifest in my daily choices, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate wisdom and a teachable spirit in those areas?**
* **What does "dying without instruction" mean for me personally, beyond a literal interpretation, in terms of my spiritual vitality, purpose, and eternal destiny?**
* **Who are the wise mentors, accountability partners, or sources of instruction in my life (including Scripture and the Holy Spirit) that I should be heeding more diligently?**

### FAQ
**Does "die without instruction" mean physical death?**

Answer: While the verse can certainly encompass physical demise as a potential consequence of destructive choices (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases, violence resulting from illicit affairs, or general self-neglect), the primary meaning of "die without instruction" in the broader context of Proverbs and wisdom literature is typically spiritual and existential. It refers to a life devoid of spiritual vitality, moral direction, and ultimately, eternal hope. It signifies a life that has failed to grasp true meaning and purpose, leading to profound regret and ruin, as seen in the lament of the uninstructed in [Proverbs 5:12-14](/proverbs/5-12 "The Lament of One Who Despised Instruction"). It's a death of potential, purpose, and connection to God, the very source of all life. It speaks to a life that, though perhaps physically alive, is spiritually dead and walking a path that leads to ultimate destruction.

**What is the difference between "instruction" and "folly" in this verse?**

Answer: "Instruction" (Hebrew: *musar*) refers to divine discipline, moral correction, and wise guidance intended to shape one's character and conduct. It is the path of learning, growth, and submission to God's truth that leads to life and flourishing. It implies a willingness to be taught and corrected. "Folly" (Hebrew: *ʼivveleth*), on the other hand, is not merely a lack of intelligence but a deep-seated moral obtuseness, a stubborn refusal to heed wisdom, and a perverse inclination towards destructive choices. It is the antithesis of instruction, representing a self-willed and rebellious mindset. The verse highlights that rejecting *musar* inevitably leads to the dominance of *ʼivveleth*, causing one to "go astray" from the path of righteousness and ultimately leading to ruin. The stark contrast emphasizes the two divergent paths available to humanity: one leading to life through disciplined wisdom, the other to death through uncorrected foolishness, a central theme echoed throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 5:23 starkly warns of the dire consequences of rejecting wisdom and instruction, its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution are found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is inherently prone to "folly" and naturally "goes astray" from God's righteous path, living "without instruction" in the truest and most damning sense, blinded by sin and destined for spiritual death [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10 "None is Righteous"). Jesus, however, is presented in Scripture as the very **incarnation of divine Wisdom** [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), the *Logos* through whom all things were made and in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom"). He is the ultimate "instruction" and "discipline" from God, sent to guide humanity back to the path of life and truth. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ took upon Himself the "death without instruction" that humanity deserved, bearing the full weight of our folly, rebellion, and sin [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us"). By His glorious resurrection, He offers **new life** to all who believe, delivering them from the dominion of folly and the path of destruction. Those who embrace Him receive not only forgiveness but also the indwelling Holy Spirit, who serves as their ultimate instructor and guide, leading them into all truth and enabling them to walk in wisdom, no longer "going astray" but faithfully following the Good Shepherd [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "The Spirit of Truth Guides Into All Truth"). Thus, Christ is the perfect answer to humanity's pervasive folly, the living instruction for eternal life, and the only escape from the spiritual death so vividly described in Proverbs.

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

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

¶ 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.