Proverbs 15:5

A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

To despise reproof in Proverbs 15:5 is to resist the means God employs to correct the wrongs and errors of His people, which is at the same time to despise discipline and unity. The verse implies that God ever keeps a voice of reproof among His people. Those who despise that voice follow the bent of their own unconsecrated hearts. To despise reproof puts the soul in a perilous position, gathering darkness and evil angels about it with every step. One who despises reproof also endangers other souls who have confidence in him, by leading them to despise reproof as well.