Definition: And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 5:12. It’s a really important one about how we should treat God and ourselves. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we've been too harsh on ourselves – we’ve been rejecting guidance and correction, even when it’s offered to us. It suggests a pattern of resisting learning and growth. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And say…” : This sets up a question or apology. “…How have I hated instruction…” : This is the core of the verse. The speaker is admitting they’ve been actively rejecting advice, guidance, and correction. It's like saying, "I’ve been resisting things that could help me become better." "...and my heart despised reproof;" : This is where it gets a little more poetic. “My heart” : This refers to our feelings and emotions – specifically, our tendency to be resistant or judgmental. “…despised reproof” : This means the speaker feels deeply uncomfortable with receiving reproof – that’s gentle correction or guidance. It's like feeling angry or upset when someone tells you you're doing something wrong. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It's saying that we need to be open to learning and growing. We shouldn’t stubbornly refuse to accept help and wisdom from God, our teachers, or even ourselves. We need to want to understand things better and improve. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be humble: Recognize that we don't always have all the answers and that learning is a lifelong process. Seek wisdom: Actively look for guidance and understanding from God, wise people, or our own conscience. Grow in character: Embrace correction as an opportunity to become better people. In short, the verse warns against stubborn resistance to help and encourages a willingness to learn and grow. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse within a specific context (like relationships or personal growth)?