Proverbs 19:27

¶ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge.

Cease {H2308}, my son {H1121}, to hear {H8085} the instruction {H4148} that causeth to err {H7686} from the words {H561} of knowledge {H1847}.

My son, if you stop heeding discipline, you will stray from the principles of knowledge.

If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Cease, my son, to hear instruction Onlyto err from the words of knowledge.

Commentary

Context

Proverbs 19:27 is a powerful piece of wisdom literature, characteristic of the book of Proverbs, which often presents life's choices as a dichotomy between wisdom and folly. Addressed as a father speaking to his "son," this verse emphasizes the critical importance of discernment in accepting counsel. It comes within a chapter that discusses various aspects of character, justice, and the consequences of one's actions, highlighting the value of sound judgment and the dangers of foolishness. The overarching theme throughout Proverbs is the pursuit of true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Discerning Instruction: The core message is a stern warning against passively absorbing any teaching or advice. Not all instruction is beneficial; some can lead one astray.
  • Avoiding Error and Deception: The verse highlights the active danger of "instruction that causeth to err." This points to the need for vigilance against false teachings, misleading ideologies, or corrupting influences that deviate from truth.
  • The Value of True Knowledge: By contrasting misleading instruction with "the words of knowledge," the verse implicitly extols the value of sound, reliable, and godly truth. This "knowledge" refers to divine wisdom and righteous principles.
  • Personal Responsibility: The imperative "Cease, my son" places the responsibility squarely on the individual to actively choose what they listen to and internalize. It's an call to intellectual and spiritual discipline.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "instruction" here is musar (מוּסָר), which typically means discipline, moral instruction, or correction. In this context, it refers to a form of teaching or counsel that, instead of building up, leads to error. The phrase "to err" comes from the root shagah (שָׁגָה), meaning to wander, go astray, or be deceived. This powerfully conveys the idea of straying from the right path or the truth. "Words of knowledge" (divrei da'at) signifies sound understanding, insight, and especially divine wisdom, which serves as the standard against which all other instruction must be measured.

Practical Application

In an age of abundant information and diverse voices, Proverbs 19:27 is more relevant than ever. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Be Discerning Consumers of Information: Whether it's from media, social circles, or even religious leaders, we must critically evaluate all input. Does it align with biblical truth?
  • Guard Your Mind and Heart: Just as we protect our physical bodies, we must protect our minds from harmful doctrines and deceptive ideas. What we listen to shapes our beliefs and actions.
  • Anchor Yourself in God's Word: The best defense against misleading instruction is a strong foundation in "the words of knowledge"—God's unchanging truth. Regularly immersing oneself in Scripture helps to test all things and hold fast to what is good.
  • Choose Your Influences Wisely: Be mindful of who you allow to speak into your life. As Psalm 1:1 warns against walking in the counsel of the ungodly, this proverb advises against hearing it.

The verse reminds us that spiritual growth requires active participation in rejecting error and embracing divine wisdom.

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

  • Mark 4:24 (6 votes)

    And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

  • 1 Timothy 6:3 (5 votes)

    If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

  • 1 Timothy 6:5 (5 votes)

    Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

  • Matthew 7:15 (4 votes)

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

  • Proverbs 14:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not [in him] the lips of knowledge.

  • 1 John 4:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 (4 votes)

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.