because you neglected all my counselThis phrase highlights the rejection of divine wisdom and guidance. In the biblical context, "counsel" refers to the advice and instruction given by God through His Word and His prophets. The Israelites often ignored God's counsel, leading to their downfall, as seen in the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. This neglect is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God's people are warned against ignoring His commandments (
Deuteronomy 30:15-20). The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, emphasizes the importance of heeding God's counsel for a prosperous and righteous life (
Proverbs 3:5-6). The rejection of divine counsel is also seen in the New Testament, where Jesus laments over Jerusalem for not recognizing the time of God's coming to them (
Luke 19:41-44).
and wanted none of my correction
This phrase underscores the refusal to accept discipline and correction from God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, correction was seen as a necessary part of growth and maturity, both spiritually and morally. The Hebrew word for correction can also mean discipline or chastisement, which is intended for the betterment of the individual (Proverbs 3:11-12). The refusal to accept correction is akin to pride and stubbornness, traits that are condemned throughout Scripture (Proverbs 16:18). The Bible often portrays God as a loving Father who disciplines His children for their good (Hebrews 12:5-11). This refusal to accept correction is a rejection of God's love and a failure to recognize His authority. In the New Testament, Jesus' call to repentance is a form of correction, urging people to turn from their ways and follow Him (Matthew 4:17).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
Wisdom- Personified in Proverbs as a woman calling out to the simple and the foolish, offering guidance and correction.
3.
The Simple and the Foolish- These are the individuals who ignore wisdom's call, representing those who are naive or deliberately reject wisdom.
4.
The Streets and Public Squares- The setting where wisdom calls out, symbolizing the accessibility of wisdom to all who are willing to listen.
5.
The Lord- The ultimate source of wisdom, whose counsel and correction are being rejected by the foolish.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heeding CounselIgnoring wise counsel leads to negative consequences. We must be open to receiving guidance from God and others.
The Role of Correction in GrowthCorrection is not punishment but an opportunity for growth and improvement. Embrace it as a tool for personal development.
The Accessibility of WisdomWisdom is available to all who seek it. We must actively listen and apply it to our lives.
The Consequences of NeglectNeglecting wisdom leads to folly and destruction. We must prioritize seeking and applying God's wisdom.
The Call to RepentanceWhen we realize we've neglected wisdom, we should repent and turn back to God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:25?
2.How can ignoring wisdom in Proverbs 1:25 lead to spiritual consequences today?
3.What actions demonstrate "disregarded all my counsel" in modern Christian life?
4.How does Proverbs 1:25 connect with James 1:22 about being doers of the word?
5.What practical steps can prevent us from rejecting God's reproof in Proverbs 1:25?
6.How can we encourage others to value wisdom as warned in Proverbs 1:25?
7.Why do people ignore wisdom's call in Proverbs 1:25?
8.How does Proverbs 1:25 challenge personal responsibility in faith?
9.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 1:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?
12.Is caffeine addiction considered a sin?
13.What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?
14.What defines a teachable spirit?What Does Proverbs 1:25 Mean
ContextProverbs 1 unfolds as Wisdom’s urgent street-corner appeal. Verses 20-24 describe Wisdom calling, stretching out her hand, offering insight to the “simple.” Verse 25 names the root problem: people have already decided to reject what God is saying. CompareProverbs 1:20-23,Isaiah 65:12, andMatthew 23:37, where the Lord likewise laments, “I called, and you did not answer.”
“You neglected all My counsel”• “Counsel” refers to the Lord’s guidance that keeps life on His path (Psalm 32:8;Proverbs 8:14).
• The word “all” shows total dismissal, not partial misunderstanding (Jeremiah 7:24).
• Neglect here is willful: hearing, weighing the offer, then turning away (James 1:22-24).
Cross references:Proverbs 19:20 tells us, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days,” while2 Kings 17:13-14 shows Israel’s downfall because “they would not listen but stiffened their necks.”
“And wanted none of My correction”• “Wanted none” emphasizes active resistance, like the rebellious child ofProverbs 13:1.
• “Correction” (discipline) is a proof of God’s love (Proverbs 3:11-12;Hebrews 12:5-6).
• Rejecting correction means choosing blindness over light (John 3:19-20).
Cross references:Revelation 3:19—“Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.”Psalm 50:17 portrays the same heart: “You hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.”
Consequences•Proverbs 1:26-28 warns that when trouble comes, Wisdom will “laugh” at calamity—a figurative way of saying the sinner’s cries arrive too late (Isaiah 59:1-2).
•Romans 1:24-28 shows how God eventually “gave them over” when people persisted in refusing counsel.
• Persistent refusal shuts the door the sinner himself slammed (Hosea 4:17).
Application• Receive counsel daily by opening Scripture (Psalm 119:105).
• Welcome correction from the Lord and His people (Proverbs 27:6).
• Act promptly; delayed obedience is functional disobedience (Luke 6:46).
• Cultivate a teachable spirit—“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).
summaryProverbs 1:25 exposes the heart that hears God’s voice yet deliberately turns away, rejecting both the Lord’s guidance and His loving discipline. The verse warns that to spurn divine counsel is to forfeit the protection and wisdom it brings, leaving a person vulnerable to inevitable consequences. Accepting God’s counsel and correction, by contrast, invites His wisdom, blessing, and life.
Verse 25. -
Ye have set at nought; rather,
rejected (Umbreit, Ewald,
et alii). The Authorized Version rendering here is equivocal, inasmuch as it is capable of meaning "despised," whereas
פְרַע (
para) signifies "to let loose," "to let go" (cf. the German
fahren lassen), and hence "to overlook, or reject." Its force is fairly represented in the LXX.,
Ἀκύρους ἐποιεῖτε ἐμὰς βουλὰς, "Ye rendered my counsel of no effect." Counsel (
עֵצָהetsah);
i.e. advice, in the sense of recommendations for doing good, as opposed to
reproofs for the avoidance of evil (see vers. 23 and 30).
Would none. The same verb,
אַבַה (
avah), occurs in vers. 10 and 30, hence used with the negative
לא (
lo) in the sense of
ἀπειθεῖν (LXX.), "to refuse compliance with," as in AEschylus, 'Agam.,' 1049.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
because you neglectedוַתִּפְרְע֥וּ(wat·tip̄·rə·‘ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6544:To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, beginallכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everymy counsel,עֲצָתִ֑י(‘ă·ṣā·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6098:Advice, plan, prudenceand wantedאֲבִיתֶֽם׃(’ă·ḇî·ṯem)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 14:To breathe after, to be acquiescentnoneלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noof my correction,וְ֝תוֹכַחְתִּ֗י(wə·ṯō·w·ḵaḥ·tî)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8433:Chastisement, correction, refutation, proof
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:25 But you have ignored all my counsel (Prov. Pro Pr) 
