The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 15:31
What does Proverbs 15:31 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 15:31
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just about hearing correction, but about an "ear" that listens to correction that leads to life. It highlights that the wisest path involves actively seeking and embracing instruction that genuinely guides us toward true life, not just avoiding punishment.
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that contrasts the wise and the foolish. It follows verses that speak about the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience, and it sets the stage for subsequent verses that discuss the value of wisdom, humility, and the fear of the Lord. The surrounding context emphasizes that true wisdom isn't just about knowledge, but about actively receiving guidance that leads to a meaningful life.
What kind of 'reproof' are we talking about? It's not just criticism; it's a divine tool for living fully.
The verse calls it 'life-giving reproof.' This isn't harsh judgment, but loving correction that guides us toward God's best. Think of it like a gardener pruning a plant – it might seem painful for a moment, but it allows the plant to flourish and bear more fruit. This instruction isn't just about avoiding bad things; it's about actively pursuing a life that pleases God and truly lives.
This 'reproof' comes from wisdom, and wisdom, ultimately, comes from God. When we embrace it, we're not just getting told off; we're being equipped for a richer, more meaningful existence.
It's not just about hearing wisdom, but where you end up because you listened.
The promise for hearing this 'life-giving reproof' is that you will 'dwell among the wise.' This isn't just about being in the same room; it implies influence, community, and shared understanding. It means your choices and your habits will naturally align you with those who seek and value God's truth.
Think of it like choosing your friends. If you constantly seek out and listen to people who are driven and wise, you'll start to think and act more like them. Conversely, if you ignore good advice, you'll find yourself isolated from those who could help you grow.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
shama' · Hebrew Verb
In biblical usage, 'listening' goes beyond mere hearing to include heeding, obeying, and actively responding to what is spoken, especially when it comes from God or his wisdom.
tokachah · Hebrew Noun
Often translated as 'correction' or 'rebuke,' this term refers to a disciplinary instruction designed to convict, correct, and ultimately restore the recipient to a right path or relationship.
chakam · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Used as a social categorization, the 'wise' are those who fear the Lord and possess practical, godly insight for living, as opposed to the 'foolish' who reject God’s order.
This passage directly parallels Proverbs 15:31, linking reproof and instruction to 'life' and the 'light' of wisdom.
Proverbs 12:15This verse contrasts the foolish person who thinks they know the right way with the wise person who listens to advice, highlighting the value of heeding reproof.
Hebrews 12:5-6This New Testament passage echoes the Old Testament theme that God disciplines and reproves those He loves, showing that accepting correction is a sign of His favor and leads to life.
James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom when facing difficulties, linking the pursuit of wisdom with understanding and discernment, which are outcomes of accepting wise reproof.
pulpitProverbs 15:31: "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
Verse 31. - The ear that heareth (hearkeneth to) the reproof of life abideth among the wise (Proverbs 6:23). The reproof, or instruction, of life is that which teaches the true way of pleasing God, which is indeed the only life worth living. The ear, by synecdoche, is put for the person. One who attends to and profits by such admonition may be reckoned among the wise, and rejoices to be conversant with them. Word…
ellicottProverbs 15:31: "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."
(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 .
This isn't just about hearing correction, but about an "ear" that listens to correction that leads to life. It highlights that the wisest path involves actively seeking and embracing instruction that genuinely guides us toward true life, not just avoiding punishment.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that contrasts the wise and the foolish. It follows verses that speak about the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience, and it sets the stage for subsequent verses that discuss the value of wisdom, humility, and the fear of the Lord. The surrounding context emphasizes that true wisdom isn't just about knowledge, but about actively receiving guidance that leads to a meaningful life.
This verse appears in a section of Proverbs that contrasts the wise and the foolish. It follows verses that speak about the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience, and it sets the stage for subsequent verses that discuss the value of wisdom, humility, and the fear of the Lord. The surrounding context emphasizes that true wisdom isn't just about knowledge, but about actively receiving guidance that leads to a meaningful life.
"The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise." — This isn't just about hearing correction, but about an "ear" that listens to correction that leads to life. It highlights that the wisest path involves actively seeking and embracing instructio…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026