The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 ESV
Can you complete Proverbs 10:17 in these six translations? The answers are below the sunrise pictures. Think a bit before scrolling… 😊
Proverbs 10:17
Hebrew Understanding One
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction _______________.
NKJV
One who is on the path of life follows instruction,
But one who ignores a rebuke _______________.
NASB
Hebrew Understanding Two
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof _______________.
ESV
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction _______________.
NIV
Both Understandings
He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing],
But he who ignores and refuses correction _______________.
AMP
He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof _______________.
AMPC
Proverbs 10:17
BibleGateway – BlueLetterBible – StudyBible – BibleHub
Hebrew Understanding One
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction goes astray.
NKJV
One who is on the path of life follows instruction,
But one who ignores a rebuke goes astray.
NASB
Hebrew Understanding Two
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
ESV
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
NIV
Both Understandings
He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing],
But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].
AMP
He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others.
AMPC
For me, the first Hebrew understanding is “expected.” The Bible has much to say about putting the Word in practice.
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction goes astray.
Proverbs 10:17 NKJV
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Matthew 7:24-27 ESV
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:22-25 ESV
The second Hebrew understanding is still “startling” to me. My disobedient self-deception leads others astray? Wow!
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
Proverbs 10:17 ESV
Since I don’t read Hebrew and Greek I am glad I can use many good modern translations to understand God’s Word better. It’s almost hard for me to believe that I once though-eth this-eth is-eth the only-eth Bible I should read:
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Proverbs 10:17 KJV
(I have nothing against the KJV. It is a fine translation. But the English language has changed a lot since 1611. Modern translations use words more understandable to modern English readers.)
If you haven’t done so, I recommend you look at these translations of Proverbs 10:17. Hebrew experts have brought out many shades of meaning in their various translations.
BibleGateway – BlueLetterBible – StudyBible – BibleHub
Using multiple translations is one way to be a Berean. 😊
Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.
Acts 17:11 BSB
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 NASB
Jesus is coming very, very soon. Be ready!
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 NKJV
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
Has the rapture happened? You can still be saved and go to heaven! --- Are you following God's plan for your life? You should. Your plan is not going to work. It is a really, really bad plan. Please come to Jesus to escape your plan! Most people are WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet Him? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Time is running out.
Lift Up Your Eyes! 