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 warnings against sexual immorality, encapsulating the dire consequences for those who reject divine wisdom and instruction. It declares that a life lived in defiance of moral guidance inevitably leads to spiritual and existential ruin, characterized by a profound lack of direction and an ultimate, tragic demise rooted in uncorrected foolishness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:23 forms the concluding statement of a chapter primarily dedicated to a father's urgent admonition to his son concerning the dangers of the adulteress and the allure of illicit sexual pleasure. The chapter begins with an appeal to heed wisdom's words [Proverbs 5:1-2](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5:1-2 - Heed Wisdom's Words"), then vividly describes the seductive nature of the "strange woman" and the bitter consequences of her embrace, likening her end to "wormwood" and a "two-edged sword" [Proverbs 5:3-4](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-4 - The Bitter End of the Adulteress"). The father warns against losing one's honor, wealth, and health [Proverbs 5:7-11](/proverbs/5-7 "Proverbs 5:7-11 - Consequences of Immorality"), culminating in the lament of the one who despised instruction [Proverbs 5:12-14](/proverbs/5-12 "Proverbs 5:12-14 - The Lament of the Unwise"). The chapter then pivots to advocate for fidelity within marriage as the true source of joy and satisfaction [Proverbs 5:15-20](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15-20 - Rejoice in Your Wife"). The final verses, including [Proverbs 5:21-23](/proverbs/5-21 "Proverbs 5:21-23 - God Sees All"), reiterate God's omnipresence and 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 fate of those who choose the path of moral rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, set within the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, reflects a patriarchal society where a father's instruction to his son was a primary mode of education and moral formation. Wisdom literature, prevalent across cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia, often used didactic poetry to transmit practical ethics and theological truths. In ancient Israel, moral purity, particularly sexual fidelity, was not merely a personal choice but a communal and covenantal obligation. Adultery was a serious offense, punishable by death under the Mosaic Law [Leviticus 20:10](/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 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 and economic repercussions in a society where reputation, family lineage, and community standing were paramount. The emphasis on "instruction" (Hebrew: *musar*) highlights the importance of oral teaching, discipline, and moral correction in shaping a righteous life, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite pedagogy.

* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 5:23](/proverbs/5-23 "Proverbs 5:23 - The Fate of the Uninstructed") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God and Divine Accountability**, reminding the reader that one's actions are not hidden from God's sight, as stated in [Proverbs 5:21](/proverbs/5-21 "Proverbs 5:21 - God Sees All"). 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 and blessing [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - Blessings of Wisdom"), and the path of folly, which leads to destruction and death [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - Folly Leads to Death"). This verse explicitly states the fatal outcome of despising *musar* (instruction/discipline). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Self-Destructive Nature of Folly**. The "greatness of his folly" is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a moral perversion that actively causes one to "go astray," illustrating how sin, left unchecked, becomes an internal force leading to ruin. 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 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Path of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From a primitive root, meaning to die literally or figuratively. Causatively, to kill. In this context, it signifies not merely physical cessation of life, but a profound spiritual and existential demise, a life devoid of vitality, purpose, and ultimately, hope, as a direct consequence of rejecting wisdom.
* **instruction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** From the root `yasar`, properly meaning chastisement. Figuratively, it encompasses reproof, warning, discipline, doctrine, and moral correction. It refers to the guidance and moral training intended to shape character and conduct, distinguishing it from mere intellectual knowledge. To die "without instruction" is to perish having rejected the very means of moral and spiritual formation.
* **folly (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** From the same root as `ʼeviyl` (fool). It denotes silliness, foolishness, or foolishness in action. This is not just a lack of intelligence but a deep-seated moral obtuseness, a perverse mindset that leads to destructive choices and a stubborn refusal to learn from experience or divine guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall die without instruction":** This clause pronounces a severe judgment. The "death" here is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual lifelessness, moral decay, and ultimately, an eternal separation from God. This dire outcome is directly attributed to the absence or 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 in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.":** This second clause elaborates on the mechanism of destruction. The phrase "greatness of his folly" emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the individual's foolishness, indicating a deep-seated and uncorrected moral deficiency. This profound 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 and truth. It portrays a life lost, directionless, and ultimately self-destructive, driven by an inherent moral perversity rather than divine wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn warning. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is evident in the two clauses, where the idea of perishing "without instruction" is reinforced and elaborated by "in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray." This creates a sense of inevitable consequence and mutual reinforcement between cause and effect. **Metaphor** is central, as "die" and "go astray" are not limited to literal physical death or geographical wandering but serve as powerful metaphors for spiritual and moral ruin. The "greatness of his folly" uses **hyperbole** to emphasize the profound and overwhelming nature of the individual's foolishness, suggesting it is not a minor misstep but a pervasive, defining characteristic. The verse also functions as a **synecdoche**, where "instruction" stands in for the entire body of divine wisdom and moral guidance, and the "folly" represents the comprehensive rejection of that wisdom. Together, these devices create a stark, memorable, and impactful statement about the ultimate fate of those who disregard God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:23 articulates a fundamental theological principle: the profound and often fatal consequences of 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 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 is found only in alignment with His precepts. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that wisdom is not merely intellectual but a path of life, and folly is a path of destruction.

* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Turning Away of the Simple Shall Slay Them")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - 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 to divine instruction. It warns against the insidious nature of uncorrected folly, which, left unchecked, inevitably leads to a life devoid of true purpose, direction, and ultimately, spiritual vitality. The "death without instruction" is a sobering reminder that our choices have profound, eternal consequences. To avoid this tragic end, we are compelled to actively seek, receive, and apply God's wisdom in every area of our lives, particularly in matters of moral purity and integrity. This means cultivating a teachable spirit, being open to correction, and allowing the Word of God to shape our thoughts and actions. It challenges us to recognize that true freedom and life are found not in self-will or unrestrained desires, but in the disciplined pursuit of righteousness guided by divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be resisting or neglecting God's instruction?**
* **How does my "folly" manifest, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate wisdom in those areas?**
* **What does "dying without instruction" mean for me personally, beyond a literal interpretation, in terms of spiritual vitality and purpose?**
* **Who are the wise mentors or sources of instruction in my life (including Scripture) 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 consequence of destructive choices (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases, violence resulting from illicit affairs), the primary meaning of "die without instruction" in the 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 "Proverbs 5:12-14 - The Lament of One Who Despised Instruction"). It's a death of potential, purpose, and connection to God, the source of all life.

**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 and growth that leads to life. "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. 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 contrast emphasizes the two divergent paths available to humanity: one leading to life through disciplined wisdom, the other to death through uncorrected foolishness, a theme echoed throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 5:23 starkly warns of the consequences of rejecting wisdom, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is inherently prone to "folly" and naturally "goes astray" from God's path, living "without instruction" in the truest sense, blinded by sin and destined for spiritual death [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is Righteous"). Jesus, however, is presented as the very **incarnation of divine Wisdom** [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). He is the ultimate "instruction" and "discipline" from God, sent to guide humanity back to the path of life. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ took upon Himself the "death without instruction" that humanity deserved, bearing the full weight of our folly and sin on the cross [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). By His 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 following the Good Shepherd [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides Into All Truth"). Thus, Christ is the answer to humanity's folly, the instruction for life, and the only escape from the spiritual death 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.