Proverbs 15:31
Proverbs 15:31 in Multiple Translations
He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.
The man whose ear is open to the teaching of life will have his place among the wise.
If you pay attention to positive advice you'll be one of the wise.
The eare that hearkeneth to the correction of life, shall lodge among the wise.
An ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.
The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
The ear that heareth the reproofs of life, shall abide in the midst of the wise.
If people pay attention when people correct/warn them, they will become wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:31
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 15:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹ֗זֶן
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
חַיִּ֑ים
בְּ/קֶ֖רֶב
חֲכָמִ֣ים
תָּלִֽין
אֹ֗זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
N-fs
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
בְּ/קֶ֖רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
תָּלִֽין
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:31
אֹ֗זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
שֹׁ֭מַעַת
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
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.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
בְּ/קֶ֖רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
תָּלִֽין
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:31
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:31
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes cheers the heart, and good news nourishes the bones.
31He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
32He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:5 | A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:12 | Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
| 3 | John 15:3–4 | You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:20 | Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. |
| 5 | Proverbs 9:8–9 | Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:23 | If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. |
| 7 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 8 | Isaiah 55:3 | Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
| 9 | 1 John 2:19 | They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. |
Proverbs 15:31 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 15:31, is telling us that if we listen to and learn from constructive criticism, we will become wise and grow in our faith. It's like when we're trying to learn a new skill, and someone shows us a better way to do it - we can choose to listen and improve, or we can ignore their advice and stay the same. By listening to life-giving reproof, we can become more like the wise people mentioned in Proverbs 15:31, and this is similar to what is said in Proverbs 9:9, which emphasizes the importance of learning from others. As we listen to and learn from others, we will become more humble and fearful of the Lord, which is the instruction of wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 15:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to listen to life-giving reproof?
Listening to life-giving reproof means being open to constructive criticism and correction that helps us grow spiritually, as seen in Proverbs 15:31, and is similar to the concept of heeding correction in Proverbs 15:32, which leads to gaining understanding.
How can I dwell among the wise?
To dwell among the wise, we must be willing to listen to and learn from others, as stated in Proverbs 15:31, and also be humble and fearful of the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 15:33, which is the instruction of wisdom.
Is it important to receive criticism from others?
Yes, receiving criticism from others is important, as it can help us identify areas where we need to improve, as seen in Proverbs 27:6, which says that wounds from a friend can be trustworthy, and Proverbs 15:31, which emphasizes the value of life-giving reproof.
How does this verse relate to my relationship with God?
This verse relates to our relationship with God because it emphasizes the importance of being teachable and open to correction, which is a key aspect of fearing the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 15:33, and is also reflected in Psalm 51:17, which says that a broken and contrite heart is what God desires.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more open to constructive criticism and correction?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and a willingness to learn from others?
- What does it mean for me to 'dwell among the wise' in my daily life, and how can I pursue this?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of listening to life-giving reproof in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life,.... That is given according to the word of life, in a warm, fervent, and lively manner, with zeal, and in good earnest; which reproves the life of another by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth; the man that hearkeneth to it, and delights in it. The reproof of life; that reproof and good counsel which leads to life. Abideth among the wise, Heb. shall or will abide, &. c. Either, 1. He will thereby be made wise, and be esteemed one of that number. Or rather, 2. He seeketh and delighteth in the company and conversation of the wise, by whom he may be admonished; as, on the contrary, fools, who hate reproof, do avoid and abhor the society of wise men and reprovers, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.Ver. 31. The ear that heareth the reproof of llfe.] That is, lively and life giving reproofs. Veritas aspera est, verum amaritudo eius utilior et integris sensibus gratior quam meritricantis linguae distillans favus; - Truth is sharp, but be it bitter, yet it is better and more savoury to sound senses than the honey drops of a flattering tongue. Joh. Sarif., de ungis curialium .
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
(31) The ear that heareth the reproof of life—i.e., one which does not refuse reproof, or instruction, which leads to life. (Comp. Proverbs 6:23.) The “ear” is put for the person, as in Job 29:11.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
Verse 31. The ear that heareth the reproof] That receives it gratefully and obeys it. "Advice is for them that will take it," so says one of our own old proverbs; and the meaning here is nearly the same.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:31
31. of life] i.e. which tends to life. So, the instruction of wisdom=the instruction which leads to, or bestows wisdom, Proverbs 15:33 below.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:31
The reproof of life - i. e., The reproof that leads to, or gives life, rather than that which comes from life and its experience.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:31
31. The reproof of life — Life-giving; such as tendeth to life. Some think, however, that it may mean sharp, strong, or vigorous reproof, one that bears sharp reproof of his faults.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so |
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Sowing and Reaping by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is always watching over us. He shares a story of a father and son who plan to cut a log on someone el |
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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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Teaching by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the importance of training children in the way they should go, highlighting the need to go beyond just telling them what to do. He explains the process of |
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(So Great a Salvation) Temptation and Sin by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his journey of faith. He describes a moment of deep conviction and repentance after disobeying his parents. He then reflec |
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New Covenant Greater Then the Old Covenant by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God accomplished His plan of salvation not through a judicial decree, but by sending His very life, the fullness of God, in the form of |
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Blessed Is He Who Knoweth His Limitations by John Follette | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the word of God in cleansing and transforming individuals. He refers to the three years of teaching and washing over the listene |