The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

PROVERBS 15:31KJV
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Proverbs 15:31 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:31 mean?

Proverbs 15:31 says that a person who listens to correction that leads to life will live among wise people. The verse highlights the value of being willing to hear and accept honest feedback or rebuke, suggesting that this attitude is a mark of true wisdom.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are often presented as teachings from a wise parent or teacher to a learner, encouraging the reader to pursue wisdom and understanding. Here, the focus is on the kind of correction ("reproof of life") that helps someone grow and avoid harm, showing that openness to such guidance is what places a person in the company of the wise.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:31

  • "ear" (אָזֶן, 'ozen): This word refers to the physical ear, but in Hebrew thought, it often stands for the willingness or ability to listen and pay attention, not just the act of hearing sounds.
  • "heareth" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This verb means more than just hearing; it carries the sense of listening with intent, understanding, and responding appropriately.
  • "reproof" (תוֹכַחַת, tokhachath): This word means correction or rebuke, especially the kind that points someone back to the right path. In this verse, it is called "the reproof of life," meaning correction that leads to life, growth, or well-being.
  • "abideth" (לִין, lin): This verb means to stay, dwell, or remain. Here, it shows that those who listen to life-giving correction will find their place among wise people, not just visit them occasionally.

Why Proverbs 15:31 matters

  • Proverbs 15:31 makes clear that wisdom is not just about knowing things, but about being teachable and open to correction, which is a key theme throughout Proverbs.
  • The verse corrects the common misunderstanding that rebuke or correction is always negative; here, it is described as something that leads to life and is essential for growth.
  • This proverb fits into a larger pattern in Proverbs 15, where the contrast is drawn between those who accept instruction and those who reject it, highlighting the practical benefits of humility and teachability.

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.

“abideth” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

“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.