He that refuses instruction
The instruction of parents, masters, ministers, and of God himself; or "correction" ^F25 , instruction either by the word or by the rod; he that withdraws himself from it, will not be in the way of it, that shuns, neglects, and despises it, or carelessly and contemptuously attends it: despises his own soul ;
shows that he makes no account of it, has no regard for it or care about it, when it is so precious a jewel, and the loss of it irreparable; not that a man can strictly and properly despise his soul, but comparatively, having a greater regard for his body, and especially for his carnal lusts and pleasures, than for that; or as a man diseased and refuses proper medicines may be said to despise his health; but he that hears reproof gets understanding ;
or "a heart" ^F26 ; he gets understanding by listening to reproof, and behaving according to it; he better understands himself and his case, what he should shun and avoid, what he should receive, embrace, and do; instead of losing his soul, as the man that refuses correction does, he finds the life of it, and possesses it, and with it a large share of experience and spiritual wisdom.

FOOTNOTES:

F25: (rowm) "correctionem", Pagninus, Vatablus; "qui abstrahit se a castigatione", Piscator.
F26: (bl) "cor", Pagninus, Piscator, Schultens, Michaelis.

Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 15:32

Proverbs 15:32

Proverbs 15:32

SCRIPTURE