Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way, painful and hard to bear for one who has abandoned the right way and turned aside from it. He that hateth reproof shall die, so that hating correction and refusing reproof brings the grave consequence of death, while those who heed reproof overcome and those who resist or neglect it cling to their sins and perish. The same end is stated for the one who refuses reproof and hates correction, that he will die. Here death means literal loss of life and complete cessation of existence, the final end of the wicked, not merely distress or correction in this life. The wicked are therefore ultimately destroyed and nothing remains after their destruction, not kept alive in eternally burning fire.
Submission to correction and willingness to accept reproof is necessary practical wisdom and prudent, in contrast to resisting and refusing it. People may welcome praise and flattery but resist reproof, yet reproof is needed correction and is not to be hated or disregarded. Reproof should be received meekly without arguing, even when it seems undeserved, because people are often blind to their own faults and may reject warnings they need, so that accepting it can preserve valuable instruction. The correction of the verse is loving chastisement, for God disciplines His children for their good so they may share in His holiness and bear righteousness's peaceful fruit. Chastening may feel grievous at the time, but those who endure it are treated as God's children, and despising or refusing correction is not the response of a faithful child.
Correction exposes faults and is salutary instruction to be laid to heart, helping prepare for the last day, like being shown stains on a garment that needs washing. Those who take it to heart put away their sins and overcome, and even painful or hostile correction can be used for good when its truth is accepted. Accepting reproof allows wrongdoing to be corrected and the character to be freed from sin.
Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way, painful and hard to bear for one who has abandoned the right way and turned aside from it. He that hateth reproof shall die, so that hating correction and refusing reproof brings the grave consequence of death, while those who heed reproof overcome and those who resist or neglect it cling to their sins and perish. The same end is stated for the one who refuses reproof and hates correction, that he will die. Here death means literal loss of life and complete cessation of existence, the final end of the wicked, not merely distress or correction in this life. The wicked are therefore ultimately destroyed and nothing remains after their destruction, not kept alive in eternally burning fire.
Submission to correction and willingness to accept reproof is necessary practical wisdom and prudent, in contrast to resisting and refusing it. People may welcome praise and flattery but resist reproof, yet reproof is needed correction and is not to be hated or disregarded. Reproof should be received meekly without arguing, even when it seems undeserved, because people are often blind to their own faults and may reject warnings they need, so that accepting it can preserve valuable instruction. The correction of the verse is loving chastisement, for God disciplines His children for their good so they may share in His holiness and bear righteousness's peaceful fruit. Chastening may feel grievous at the time, but those who endure it are treated as God's children, and despising or refusing correction is not the response of a faithful child.
Correction exposes faults and is salutary instruction to be laid to heart, helping prepare for the last day, like being shown stains on a garment that needs washing. Those who take it to heart put away their sins and overcome, and even painful or hostile correction can be used for good when its truth is accepted. Accepting reproof allows wrongdoing to be corrected and the character to be freed from sin.