Proverbs 10:17
Proverbs 10:17 in Multiple Translations
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
He is in the way of life that heedeth correction; But he that forsaketh reproof erreth.
He who takes note of teaching is a way of life, but he who gives up training is a cause of error.
If you accept instruction, you're on the path to life, but if you reject correction you'll go astray.
He that regardeth instruction, is in the way of life: but he that refuseth correction, goeth out of the way.
A traveller to life [is] he who is keeping instruction, And whoso is forsaking rebuke is erring.
He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
The way of life, to him that observeth correction: but he that forsaketh reproofs goeth astray.
Those who pay attention when others try to ◄correct them/teach them what they are doing that is wrong► will live ◄happily/for many years►; but those who reject being rebuked will not find the road to life (OR, cause others to go astray).
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:17
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 10:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹ֣רַח
לְ֭/חַיִּים
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
מוּסָ֑ר
וְ/עוֹזֵ֖ב
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
מַתְעֶֽה
אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs
לְ֭/חַיִּים
chay
H2416
alive
Prep | N-mp
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
מוּסָ֑ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
וְ/עוֹזֵ֖ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
N-fs
מַתְעֶֽה
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:17
אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
לְ֭/חַיִּים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
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.
וְ/עוֹזֵ֖ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
"rebuke"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.
Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.
מַתְעֶֽה
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Hiphil
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:17
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
15The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.
17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 1:5–11 | For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | Luke 11:28 | But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:23 | For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:10 | Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. |
| 5 | Matthew 7:24–27 | Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!” |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 7 | Proverbs 5:12 | and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! |
| 8 | Proverbs 3:1–2 | My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. |
| 9 | Proverbs 3:18 | She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:13 | Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life. |
Proverbs 10:17 Summary
Proverbs 10:17 teaches us that listening to and following God's guidance is crucial for living a life that is pleasing to Him. When we heed instruction and correction, we are on the path to life, but when we ignore reproof, we can go astray. This means being open to learning from our mistakes and being willing to change our ways, as encouraged in Psalm 51:10-12. By heeding instruction and following God's Word, we can stay on the right path and live a life that honors Him, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to heed instruction in Proverbs 10:17?
Heeding instruction means listening to and following the guidance of God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where it is written that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us on the right way to live.
Why is it important to heed instruction and not ignore reproof?
Ignoring reproof, or correction, can lead to going astray, as stated in Proverbs 10:17, but heeding instruction leads to life, as it helps us to learn from our mistakes and stay on the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:11-12.
How can we apply the principle of heeding instruction in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by regularly reading and meditating on God's Word, as recommended in Joshua 1:8, and by being open to constructive criticism and correction from others, as mentioned in Proverbs 27:6.
What is the ultimate consequence of ignoring reproof and not heeding instruction?
The ultimate consequence of ignoring reproof and not heeding instruction is spiritual death and separation from God, as warned in Proverbs 29:1 and Romans 6:23, but heeding instruction and following God's Word leads to eternal life, as promised in John 3:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to heed instruction and correction from God's Word?
- How can I cultivate a humble and teachable heart, willing to listen to and learn from others?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of heeding instruction to my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring reproof and not heeding instruction in my life, and how can I avoid them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:17
He [is in] the way of life,.... Of eternal life, which is truly, properly, and by way of eminency, "life", Matthew 19:17; and which is a life of glory; a life of perfection, of perfect holiness,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:17
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
The way of life; which leadeth to life and blessedness. That keepeth instruction; that observeth and obeyeth the wholesome counsels of God, and of good men. Erreth, to wit, from the way of life, or into the ways of sin, and so of death; Heb. leadeth into error, or seduceth, to wit, himself, as appears by the opposition of this to the former clause; he wittingly and willingly exposeth himself to temptation and wickedness, because he rejecteth that admonition which is a proper preservative from it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
Proverbs 10:17 He [is in] the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.Ver. 17. He is in the way of life.] Rich fools refuse reproof; hold themselves above admonition, Tange montes et fumigabunt, and are therefore, by the just judgment of God, led through a fool’ s paradise into a true prison. Divitibus ideo amicus deest, quia nihil deest. Rich men have few faithful counsellors.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
(17) Erreth.—Literally, committeth error. This is probably the true sense, and harmonises better with being “in the way of life,” which occurs just before, than the marginal rendering, “causeth to err.” The word occurs in a similar sense in Jeremiah 42:20 (there translated, “ye have dissembled”).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
Verse 17. He is in the way of life] The truly religious man accumulates knowledge that he may the better know how to live to God, and do most good among men.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:17
17. in the way &c.] Rather (with R.V. marg.), A way of life is he that heedeth correction:But he that forsaketh reproof causeth to err. The one by his example and influence is a way of life to his fellow men; in measure and degree he can say what only the Perfect Example could say fully, “I am the way.” The other on the contrary not only goes himself, but leads others, astray.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:17
literally, A way of life is he that keepeth instruction. The verb “erreth” is better rendered in the margin. The influence for good or evil spreads beyond the man himself.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:17
17. He is in the way of life — “A way of life is he that heedeth instruction.” — Zockler. So, substantially, Stuart and Miller.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Epistle on Good Order. by John Banks | In this sermon on deception, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'planao' meaning 'to wander astray', emphasizing how various influences like false teachers, signs, and even on |
|
(One Body in Christ) 4. Helping One Another by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of speaking the truth in love and growing in all aspects into Christ, emphasizing the responsibility of every believer to minister life to the |
|
The Holy Spirit's Power and Our Effort - Part 1 by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on developing godly character qualities, such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, a |
|
Bristol Conference 1964 (Apostasy) - Part 1 by William MacDonald | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of love and its connection to the will. It emphasizes that God's love for the world was not based on emotions but on His will, as He gav |
|
Creation in Redemption by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the creation of the universe by God on the fourth day. He emphasizes the vastness and complexity of the universe, with an unknown number of |
|
|
Dynamic, Difference of Devotion by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of diligently adding virtues to one's faith. He references 2nd Peter chapter 1, specifically focusing on verses 5-7. The quali |
|
The Development of Character by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our time and energy in matters that are truly important. He encourages listeners to establish a schedule of re |