And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

PROVERBS 5:12KJV
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Proverbs 5:12 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 5:12 mean?

Proverbs 5:12 describes someone looking back with regret, realizing they have stubbornly rejected advice and correction. The verse captures the feeling of wishing they had listened to wise teaching instead of ignoring it.

In the context of Proverbs, this is part of a warning speech from a father to his son about the dangers of ignoring wisdom, especially regarding moral choices. The speaker imagines a future moment when someone, after suffering the consequences of bad decisions, finally admits they hated instruction and despised reproof. This verse highlights the pain of hindsight when a person recognizes their own pride and resistance to being taught.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 5:12

  • "instruction" (מוּסָר, musar): This word means discipline, correction, or instruction. In Proverbs, musar often refers to the kind of teaching that shapes character, not just information.
  • "reproof" (תוֹכַחַת, tokhachath): This word means rebuke, correction, or argument. It suggests not just being told what is right, but being confronted about what is wrong.
  • "despised" (נָאַץ, ma'as): This word means to reject or treat with contempt. The verse emphasizes that the heart did not just ignore correction—it actively looked down on it.

Why Proverbs 5:12 matters

  • Proverbs 5:12 warns that regret often comes too late, after someone has already suffered the consequences of ignoring wise advice.
  • The verse shows that rejecting correction is not just an outward act but comes from the heart, revealing a deeper attitude of pride or stubbornness.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Proverbs that wisdom is available, but it must be accepted and valued before trouble comes.

Where else these words appear

“despised” Hebrew H5006 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
  • Psalms 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
  • Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

“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.

“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 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
  • Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

“hated” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?