A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

PROVERBS 13:1KJV
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Proverbs 13:1 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 13:1 mean?

Proverbs 13:1 says that a wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but someone who mocks or scoffs refuses to listen to correction. The verse draws a sharp line between those open to guidance and those who stubbornly reject it.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, often framed as advice from a parent to a child. Here, the focus is on the value of being teachable—especially within the family. The verse highlights two types of people: the wise (who accept instruction) and the scorner (who ignores rebuke), showing that willingness to learn is a mark of wisdom.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 13:1

  • חָכָם (ḥākām, "wise"): This word describes someone who is skilled at living, not just smart. In Proverbs, being "wise" means being open to learning and correction, not just having knowledge.
  • מוּסָר (mūsār, "instruction"): This word often refers to discipline, correction, or training, not just information. The verse is about accepting guidance that shapes character, not just listening to facts.
  • לֵץ (lēṣ, "scorner"): This word means someone who mocks or treats things with contempt. A "scorner" is not just someone who disagrees, but someone who rejects correction with an attitude of superiority.
  • גָּעַר (gāʿar, "rebuke"): This is a strong word for correction, often involving sharp or direct words. The verse points out that a scorner will not listen even when the correction is clear and forceful.

Why Proverbs 13:1 matters

  • Proverbs 13:1 clarifies that wisdom is shown by a willingness to listen and learn, not just by having knowledge or cleverness.
  • The verse warns that a mocking or scornful attitude closes a person off from growth, even when correction is needed and obvious.
  • This proverb sets the tone for the surrounding verses, which also stress the importance of teachability and humility in daily life.

Where else these words appear

“rebuke” Hebrew H1606 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
  • Psalms 80:16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

“scorner” Hebrew H3887 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 42:23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
  • Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
  • Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

“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.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.