Proverbs 5:23
Proverbs 5:23 in Multiple Translations
He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
He shall die for lack of instruction; And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
He will come to his end for need of teaching; he is so foolish that he will go wandering from the right way.
They will die because they lack self-control, lost because of their great stupidity.
Hee shall die for fault of instruction, and shall goe astray through his great follie.
He dieth without instruction, And in the abundance of his folly magnifieth himself!
He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
He shall die, because he hath not received instruction, and in the multitude of his folly he shall be deceived.
Evil men will die because they are unable to say “No” to their desires; they will ◄go astray/be lost► because of the foolish things that they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 5:23
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 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֗וּא
יָ֭מוּת
בְּ/אֵ֣ין
מוּסָ֑ר
וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב
אִוַּלְתּ֣/וֹ
יִשְׁגֶּֽה
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יָ֭מוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Prep | Part
מוּסָ֑ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Conj | Prep | N-cs
אִוַּלְתּ֣/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs | Suff
יִשְׁגֶּֽה
shâgâh
H7686
to wander
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 5:23
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָ֭מוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בְּ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מוּסָ֑ר
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.
וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
אִוַּלְתּ֣/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
יִשְׁגֶּֽה
shâgâh
H7686
"to wander"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to wander or stray, often used to describe someone who has made a moral mistake or is drunk, like in Proverbs 5:23. It can also mean to lead someone astray.
Definition: 1) to go astray, stray, err 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to err, stray 1a2) to swerve, meander, reel, roll, be intoxicated, err (in drunkenness) 1a3) to go astray (morally) 1a4) to commit sin of ignorance or inadvertence, err (ignorantly) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lead astray 1b2) to lead astray, mislead (mentally) 1b3) to lead astray (morally)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, err, be ravished, sin through ignorance, (let, make to) wander. See also: Leviticus 4:13; Psalms 119:118; Psalms 119:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 5:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 5:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 5:23
Context — Avoiding Immorality
21For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths.
22The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him.
23He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 36:12 | But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. |
| 2 | Job 4:21 | Are not their tent cords pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?’ |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 2:15–22 | They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:32 | The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. |
| 6 | Proverbs 14:14 | The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. |
| 7 | Psalms 81:12 | So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. |
Proverbs 5:23 Summary
[This verse is saying that if we don't learn to control ourselves and make wise choices, we can end up in big trouble and even lose our relationship with God. It's like what it says in Galatians 6:7-8, we reap what we sow. By following God's guidance and being disciplined, we can avoid many problems and live a happy, fulfilling life, as promised in Proverbs 3:1-2 and Matthew 6:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to die for lack of discipline in Proverbs 5:23?
This verse means that without self-control and guidance, a person can ultimately perish spiritually or physically, as seen in the consequences of sin in Deuteronomy 28:15 and Romans 6:23.
How does a person's own folly lead them astray?
According to the Bible, folly, or foolishness, is often a result of rejecting God's wisdom and guidance, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 14:1, leading a person down a path of destruction.
Is this verse only talking about physical death?
While physical death can be a consequence of a lack of discipline, this verse is also warning about spiritual death and separation from God, as seen in Ephesians 2:1 and Colossians 2:13.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
By heeding the warning in Proverbs 5:23 and seeking God's wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5, you can avoid the pitfalls of folly and live a disciplined, godly life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I lack discipline, and how can I seek God's help to overcome them?
- How have I seen the consequences of folly play out in my own life or in the lives of others?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of self-control and discipline in my daily choices and actions?
- What are some Bible verses or principles that can help me develop greater self-discipline and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:23
He shall die without instruction,.... Into the evil of sin, and the danger he is in, and so without repentance for it; for instruction is the means of repentance, and productive of it when blessed,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:23
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
Without instruction; because he neglected instruction. Or, without correction or amendment. He shall die in his sins, and not repent of them, as he designed and hoped to do before his death. In the greatness of his folly; through his stupendous folly, whereby he cheated himself with hopes of repentance or impunity, and exposed himself to endless torments for the momentary pleasures of sinful lusts. Go astray from God, and from the way of life, and from eternal salvation.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
Proverbs 5:23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.Ver. 23. He shall die without instruction.] To spend the span of this transitory life after the ways of one’ s own heart, is to perish for ever. But, oh, what madmen are they that bereave themselves of a room in that city of pearl for a few dirty delights and carnal pleasures!
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
(23) He shall die without instruction.—Rather, for want of discipline, because he would not control himself, “he shall die,” and “for the greatness of his folly (self-will) he shall go astray,” and “wander where there is no way” (Job 12:24).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
Verse 23. He shall die without instruction] This is most likely, and it is a general case; but even these may repent and live.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:23
23. without] Rather, for lack of, R.V.; quia non habuit disciplinam, Vulg. Do you ask the cause of this dread catastrophe? The end, “he shall die,” and the road which led to it, “he shall go astray,” are alike due to “lack of instruction” and to “folly.” Said I not well then, “Attend to my wisdom, and incline thine ear to my understanding”?
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:23
The end of the sensual life: to “die without instruction,” life ended, but the discipline of life fruitless; to “go astray,” as if drunk with the greatness of his folly (the same word is used as for
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:23
23. In… his folly — In his manifestation of lack of wisdom and his actual sin. Go astray — The same word is rendered ravished in Proverbs 5:19-20. It conveys the idea of one drunk or delirious, who insensibly reels to destruction.
Sermons on Proverbs 5:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) 2 Peter 1-3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the word of God. They argue that the power of the gospel can be seen in the transformed lives of |
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You Will Reap What You Sow by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our actions. He uses the example of people who were sneaky and dishonest in taking free potatoes, |
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Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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The Doom of the Double-Hearted. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the fate of the double-hearted, exemplified by Balaam, who sought to serve both God and mammon, ultimately leading to his downfall. Balaam's life was m |
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The Wages of Unrighteousness by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the grave consequences of unrighteousness, using the story of Balaam to illustrate how one can be led astray by the allure of worldly gain. He warns against |
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2 Peter 2:15 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the dangers of forsaking the right way of the Lord, which is the path of truth and salvation through Christ. He warns against following the example of Balaam, |
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Tomorrow Comes by Samuel Davies | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fate of the wicked and contrasts it with the hope of the righteous. The wicked, who have lived in wickedness, will die in the same manne |