Proverbs 15:32 (ASV)

Passage

He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; [And] good tidings make the bones fat.

Proverbs 15:31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor [goeth] humility.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "refuseth", "correction", "despiseth", "soul", "hearkeneth", "reproof", "getteth", and "understanding". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "refuseth" and "correction", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 31's "The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof..." into verse 33's "The fear of Jehovah is the instruction...", so "refuseth" and "correction" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "refuseth" and "correction" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.