Proverbs 12:1
Proverbs 12:1 in Multiple Translations
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; But he that hateth reproof is brutish.
A lover of training is a lover of knowledge; but a hater of teaching is like a beast.
If you love knowledge, you will love discipline. Anyone who hates being corrected is stupid!
He that loueth instruction, loueth knowledge: but he that hateth correction, is a foole.
Whoso is loving instruction, is loving knowledge, And whoso is hating reproof [is] brutish.
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Whoever loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
He that loveth correction, loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is foolish.
Those who want to know what is right to do want to be ◄disciplined/corrected► when they do what is wrong; it is foolish to not want to be ◄corrected/told that what you did is wrong►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹהֵ֣ב
מ֭וּסָר
אֹ֣הֵֽב
דָּ֑עַת
וְ/שֹׂנֵ֖א
תוֹכַ֣חַת
בָּֽעַר
אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal
מ֭וּסָר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
אֹ֣הֵֽב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וְ/שֹׂנֵ֖א
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Conj | V-Qal
תוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
N-fs
בָּֽעַר
baʻar
H1198
stupid
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:1
אֹהֵ֣ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
מ֭וּסָר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
אֹ֣הֵֽב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
דָּ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וְ/שֹׂנֵ֖א
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Conj | V-Qal
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
תוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
"rebuke"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.
Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.
בָּֽעַר
baʻar
H1198
"stupid"
Adj
Stupid refers to brutishness or stupidity, describing someone who is foolish or lacking sense, often in a way that is compared to the behavior of cattle.
Definition: brutishness, stupidity, brutish (person)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: brutish (person), foolish. See also: Psalms 49:11; Psalms 92:7; Psalms 73:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:1
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
2The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. 3A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:10 | Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:7–8 | He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:97–100 | Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:1 | He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. |
| 5 | Proverbs 5:12–13 | and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors. |
| 6 | Psalms 32:9 | Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you. |
| 7 | 2 Thessalonians 2:10 | and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:17 | I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me. |
| 9 | Psalms 92:6 | A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand, |
| 10 | Proverbs 2:10–11 | For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, |
Proverbs 12:1 Summary
Proverbs 12:1 teaches us that loving discipline is the same as loving knowledge, because when we are open to correction, we can learn and grow. On the other hand, hating correction can lead to foolishness and a lack of understanding, as seen in Proverbs 1:7. By being receptive to God's discipline, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:6, we can gain wisdom and live a more godly life. This means being humble and willing to learn from our mistakes, and from the guidance of others, just like it says in Psalms 119:71 that it is good for us to be afflicted so we can learn God's decrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to love discipline in Proverbs 12:1?
Loving discipline means being open to correction and instruction, which is a key part of the Christian walk, as seen in Hebrews 12:6 where it says the Lord disciplines those He loves.
Is it wrong to hate correction according to this verse?
Yes, according to Proverbs 12:1, hating correction is associated with being stupid, implying a lack of wisdom and understanding, which is also warned against in Proverbs 1:7 where it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse highlights the importance of being receptive to God's correction and discipline, which is an aspect of His love for us, as mentioned in Revelation 3:19 where it says those whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.
Can a person change from hating correction to loving discipline?
Yes, through repentance and a willingness to learn, a person can change their attitude towards correction, as seen in Psalms 51:12 where David asks for a willing spirit to be restored to him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting correction or discipline, and how can I open myself up to it?
- How does my attitude towards discipline and correction reflect my love for knowledge and wisdom?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a love for discipline in my daily life, such as through Bible study or seeking feedback from others?
- What are some potential consequences of hating correction, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:1
Whose loveth instruction loveth knowledge,.... That loves the instruction of Wisdom, or Christ, Proverbs 4:13; the means of instruction, the Scriptures, which are profitable for instruction in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:1
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
CHAPTER 12 Instruction; admonition or reproof, as appears from the next clause, which is a singular means of getting true and sound knowledge. Loveth knowledge; showeth that he is a true lover of knowledge, because he is willing to purchase it upon such unwelcome terms, as reproofs are generally esteemed. Is brutish; discovereth himself to be a most foolish and stupid creature, because he is an enemy to himself and to his own happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.Ver. 1. Whoso loveth instruction, loveth knowledge.] Here is showed, that adversity is the best university, saith an interpreter. Schola crucis, schola lucis. Corrections of instruction are the way of life. Men commonly beat and bruise their links, before they light them, to make them burn the brighter. God first humbles whom he means to illuminate; as Gideon took thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he "taught the men of Succoth." Mr Ascham was a good schoolmaster to Queen Elizabeth, but affliction was a better, as one well observeth. That verse was much in her mouth - “ Non ignara mali miseris suceurrere disco. ” - Virgil. But he that hateth reproof.] Whether it be by the rebukes of men, or the rod of God, he is brutish: tardus est, he is fallen below the stirrup of reason, he is a beast in man’ s shape; nothing is more irrational than irreligion. That sapless fellow Nabal would hear nothing; there was no talking to him, no dealing with him; but as [the] horse and mule that have no understanding. Basil complains of the Western churches, that they were grown so proud, ut quid verum sit neque sciant, neque sustineant discere, that they neither knew what was truth, nor would be taught better.
Such are near to ruin, and that without remedy. Vexatio dat intellectum. Epist. ad Evagr.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
XII. (1) Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.—Rather, he that loveth knowledge loveth discipline, i.e., to put himself in the place of a learner; while “he that hateth reproof,” who will not take advice, is “brutish,” “nourishing a blind life within the brain,” like the animals who are incapable of improvement.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
CHAPTER XII Of the benefit of instruction, and the cultivation of piety. The virtuous woman. The different lot of the just and unjust. The humane man. The industrious man. The fool and the wise man. The uncharitable. The excellence of the righteous. The slothful is in want. Righteousness leads to life, c.
NOTES ON CHAP. XII Verse 1. Whoso loveth instruction] מוסר musar, discipline or correction, loves knowledge for correction is the way to knowledge. But he that hateth reproof is brutish.] בער baar, he is a bear; and expects no more benefit from correction than the ox does from the goad.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:1
1. instruction] or, correction, R.V. text. See Proverbs 1:2, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:1
Brutish - Dumb as a brute beast. The difference between man and brute lies chiefly in the capacity of the former for progress and improvement, and that capacity depends upon his willingness to submit to discipline and education.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:1
1. Loveth instruction — Better, discipline. (See Proverbs 1:3, and note.) He that hateth reproof (or admonition) is brutish — áòø, (ba’har,) is boorish, bearish, or beastly stupid. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 4 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and avoiding sinful behavior. He warns against being lovers of self and money, and highlights |
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From Multiplication to the Storm by Claude Houde | This sermon emphasizes the transition from a season of blessing and multiplication to a season of storms and challenges. It highlights the importance of renewing our hearts, receiv |
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The Right Reaction to Correction by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger an |
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Advice to Christians Professing This High Attainment by Randolph S. Foster | Randolph Sinks Foster emphasizes the importance of Christians being open to admonishment and counsel, regardless of their level of spiritual maturity, as even the most advanced bel |
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Attitudes on Spiritual Dating by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and why people are tempted in different areas. He emphasizes the importance of not being critical of others who are no |
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Luke 16:14-18. Christ Rebukes the Pharisees Who Derided Him. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer delivers a powerful sermon on the Pharisees' aversion to reproof, exposing their hypocrisy in professing love for God while hating His law and committing grave |
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Not Only Is the Boon of Obedience by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of obedience within the monastery, instructing the brethren to obey the Abbot and each other as a path to God. He stresses the need |