Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

PROVERBS 8:33KJV
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Proverbs 8:33 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 8:33 mean?

Proverbs 8:33 urges the reader to listen carefully to wise teaching and not to turn away from it, linking the act of hearing instruction with becoming wise. The verse is a direct call to value guidance and to resist the temptation to ignore or reject it.

In Proverbs 8, wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to people in public places, offering her instruction to anyone willing to listen. The speaker is wisdom itself, addressing all who will hear. The verse highlights the importance of being teachable and open to correction, suggesting that true wisdom begins with a willingness to accept instruction rather than stubbornly refusing it.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 8:33

  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word often means more than just listening with the ears—it carries the sense of paying attention and responding. In this context, it emphasizes active engagement with instruction, not just passive hearing.
  • "Instruction" (מוּסָר, musar): This word refers to discipline, correction, or training. It suggests that the teaching being offered may sometimes be challenging or corrective, not just pleasant advice.
  • "Wise" (חָכַם, chakam): This word means to become wise or act wisely. The verse links wisdom directly to the act of receiving instruction, showing that wisdom is not automatic but comes through learning.
  • "Refuse" (פָּרַע, paraʿ): This word means to neglect, ignore, or cast off. The verse warns against the tendency to dismiss or disregard instruction, highlighting that wisdom requires a receptive attitude.

Why Proverbs 8:33 matters

  • Proverbs 8:33 clarifies that wisdom is not just about intelligence or knowledge, but about a humble willingness to learn and be corrected.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Proverbs 8, where wisdom is portrayed as accessible and available to all, but only those who listen and accept instruction benefit from it.
  • This verse cautions against pride or stubbornness, reminding readers that rejecting wise teaching leads away from true wisdom.

Where else these words appear

“refuse” Hebrew H6544 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

“wise” Hebrew H2449 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 1:10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
  • Psalms 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
  • Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

“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.