Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path;This phrase emphasizes the consequences of straying from the righteous path. In biblical context, "the path" often refers to the way of wisdom and righteousness, as seen in
Psalm 1:6, where the Lord watches over the way of the righteous. The harshness of discipline can be understood as the natural consequences of sin, as well as divine correction.
Hebrews 12:11 speaks to the painful nature of discipline but also its purpose in producing righteousness. Historically, discipline was a key aspect of ancient Israelite society, where adherence to God's laws was paramount. The imagery of a path is common in wisdom literature, symbolizing life's journey and the choices one makes.
he who hates correction will die.
This phrase underscores the fatal consequences of rejecting correction. In Proverbs, wisdom and correction are often linked, with the refusal to accept them leading to destruction (Proverbs 1:24-32). The concept of death here can be both physical and spiritual, reflecting the ultimate separation from God. In the New Testament,Romans 6:23 states that the wages of sin is death, reinforcing the idea that sin leads to spiritual death. Culturally, in ancient Israel, community and familial correction were vital for maintaining social order and covenantal faithfulness. The rejection of correction is seen as prideful and foolish, contrasting with the humility required to accept guidance and grow in wisdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.
2.
The Path- Symbolically represents the way of righteousness and wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, it often refers to living according to God's commandments and moral principles.
3.
Discipline- Refers to the correction or instruction that is necessary for maintaining a righteous life. It is often seen as a tool used by God to guide His people back to the right path.
4.
Correction- The act of being set right or redirected. In biblical terms, it often involves repentance and a return to God's ways.
5.
Death- In this context, it can be understood both literally and spiritually, indicating the ultimate consequence of rejecting God's guidance and correction.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of DisciplineDiscipline is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It helps us stay on the path of righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of sin.
The Danger of Rejecting CorrectionRejecting correction leads to spiritual death. It is crucial to remain open to God's guidance and the counsel of wise believers.
Embracing God's Love Through DisciplineUnderstanding that God's discipline is an expression of His love can help us accept it more readily. It is meant for our good and His glory.
The Role of Community in CorrectionBeing part of a faith community provides opportunities for mutual correction and encouragement. We should be willing to both give and receive correction in love.
Long-term Consequences of Our ChoicesOur response to discipline has long-term implications for our spiritual health. Choosing to heed correction leads to life, while ignoring it leads to death.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15
What does 'profitable for reproof' in Scripture mean?
Proverbs 10:15 depicts wealth as a 'fortified city'--does this conflict with Jesus' warnings about riches in the New Testament?
Does the association of the wise with the 'right' and fools with the 'left' (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views?
What does the Bible say about godly parenting?(10)
Correction is grievous.--Rather,
There is a grievous correction for him that forsaketh the(right)
way;first of all, punishment for the sake of "correction" (
Leviticus 26:14,
sqq.)
,and then, lastly, in the case of obstinate hatred of "reproof," death (
Ibid.Proverbs 15:33).
Verse 10. -
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way. The verse is climacteric, and the first clause is better translated,
There is a grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; then the second clause denotes what that correction is:
he that hateth reproof -
i.e. he that forsaketh the way -
shall die. "The way" is the path of goodness and righteousness (
Proverbs 2:13). "The way of life." the Vulgate calls it; so
Proverbs 10:17. Ecclesiastes 21:6, "He that hateth reproof is in the way of sinners." The Authorized Version is quite allowable, and is supported in some degree by the Vulgate,
Doctrina mala deserenti viam vitae. The sinner is annoyed by discipline, correction, or true teaching, because they curb the indulgence of his passions, make him uneasy in conscience, and force him to look to future issues. Septuagint, "The instruction of the guileless (
ἀκάκου) is known by passers-by; but they who hate reproofs die shamefully." The Syriac adopts the same rendering; but it is a question whether the word ought not to be
κακοῦ. Menander says -
Ὁ μὴ δαρεὶς ἄνθρωπος οὐ παιδεύεται.
"Man unchastised learns naught."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Disciplineמוּסָ֣ר(mū·sār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148:Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraintis harshרָ֭ע(rā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilfor him who leavesלְעֹזֵ֣ב(lə·‘ō·zêḇ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5800:To loosen, relinquish, permitthe path;אֹ֑רַח(’ō·raḥ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 734:A well-trodden road, a caravanhe who hatesשׂוֹנֵ֖א(śō·w·nê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8130:To hatecorrectionתוֹכַ֣חַת(ṯō·w·ḵa·ḥaṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8433:Chastisement, correction, refutation, proofwill die.יָמֽוּת׃(yā·mūṯ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill
Links
Proverbs 15:10 NIVProverbs 15:10 NLTProverbs 15:10 ESVProverbs 15:10 NASBProverbs 15:10 KJV
Proverbs 15:10 BibleApps.comProverbs 15:10 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 15:10 Chinese BibleProverbs 15:10 French BibleProverbs 15:10 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:10 There is stern discipline for one who (Prov. Pro Pr) 
