He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

PROVERBS 10:17KJV
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Proverbs 10:17 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:17 mean?

Proverbs 10:17 teaches that a person who listens to and follows instruction is on a path that leads to life, while someone who rejects correction goes astray. The verse draws a clear line between valuing guidance and stubbornly refusing to be corrected.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily living. The verse highlights the practical importance of being teachable and open to correction, showing that humility and willingness to learn are essential for a good and meaningful life.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:17

  • "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek, H734): This word often means a road or path, but here it refers to the course or direction of a person's life. The verse uses it to picture life as a journey shaped by choices.
  • "keepeth" (שָׁמַר, shamar, H8104): This word means to guard, watch over, or pay careful attention to. The idea is not just hearing instruction but actively holding onto it and living by it.
  • "instruction" (מוּסָר, musar, H4148): This word means discipline, correction, or training. It emphasizes learning through correction, not just information.
  • "refuseth" (עָזַב, azav, H5800): This word means to leave, forsake, or abandon. The verse contrasts those who cling to guidance with those who turn their backs on it.
  • "reproof" (תוֹכֵחָה, tokhecha, H8433): This word means rebuke or correction, often spoken to help someone see their error.
  • "erreth" (תָּעָה, ta'ah, H8582): This word means to wander or go astray, suggesting not just a mistake but a drifting away from the right path.

Why Proverbs 10:17 matters

  • Proverbs 10:17 clarifies that wisdom is not just about knowing right from wrong, but about being willing to accept correction and change direction when needed.
  • The verse warns that ignoring correction is not a neutral act; it leads a person off course, with real consequences for their life.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits a larger theme that true wisdom is humble and teachable, not stubborn or self-assured.

Where else these words appear

“reproof” Hebrew H8433 · used in 28 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
  • Proverbs 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
  • Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

“erreth” Hebrew H8582 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
  • Psalms 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
  • Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

“instruction” Hebrew H4148 · used in 50 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:2 And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
  • Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
  • Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

“way” Hebrew H734 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
  • Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
  • Proverbs 5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.