Proverbs 1:25
BeginnerProverbs 1:25 · World English Bible (WEB)
“but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof;”
Tip: highlight any word or phrase above to go deeper on exactly that.
Overview
The danger of willfully refusing wisdom’s correction
Wisdom is not describing innocent ignorance, but rejected instruction. The verse exposes a heart that has been offered counsel and correction, yet has chosen to disregard both.
What Makes This Verse Confusing?
“Reproof” here is not merely scolding or harsh criticism. It means corrective instruction — the kind of truth that exposes error so a person may turn from it. Wisdom’s “reproof” is mercy before judgment; it is God-given correction meant to rescue.
The English word “reproof” can sound mainly punitive, but the Hebrew term carries the idea of correction, rebuke, and reasoned confrontation with what is wrong.
This changes the tone of the verse: Wisdom is not offended because people disliked her opinions; she is grieving and warning because they rejected the very correction that could have saved them from ruin.
Original Language
be willing — 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
This word points to willingness, not mere emotion. “Wanted none” means the heart refused to consent to correction. The issue is not that wisdom was unavailable, but that the hearers were unwilling to receive it.
argument — 1) argument, reproof 1a) argument, impeachment 1b) reproof, chiding 1c) correction, rebuke
The word behind “reproof” carries the weight of correction that exposes wrong. In Proverbs, such reproof is one of God’s gracious instruments for forming wisdom in His people, not something to be despised.
Lexicon & word tagging: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0)
Related Passages
Luke 7:30
parallelLuke 7:30 says the Pharisees and lawyers “rejected the counsel of God against themselves.”
Psalms 81:11
BackgroundProverbs 1:30
parallelProverbs 1:30 repeats the same charge: “They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.”
Proverbs 12:1
parallelProverbs 12:1 says, “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
Psalms 107:11
BackgroundProverbs 5:12
Background2 Chronicles 36:16
BackgroundCross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · openbible.info (CC-BY)
How This Applies Today
This verse calls believers to examine how they respond when God’s Word corrects them. The danger is not only ignorance, but resisting counsel once the Lord has made truth plain.
- →When Scripture exposes sin, receive it as mercy rather than treating it as an offense.
- →Ask the Lord for a teachable heart that welcomes both counsel and correction.
- Where have I been ignoring counsel from God’s Word that I already know is true?
- Do I receive correction as the kindness of God, or do I resist it because it wounds my pride?
Analysis generated on September 20, 2026 · version 2.0
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