Proverbs 5:23 Meaning and Explanation
“He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who reject instruction die foolish and lost.
The Context of Proverbs 5:23
The final consequence: death without wisdom, lost in one's own folly.
What Does Proverbs 5:23 Mean?
This final verse brings the warnings to their conclusion. To die without instruction means to pass from life having refused to learn, having never aligned oneself with wisdom.
In the greatness of his folly shows that the folly is great—not a small mistake but a fundamental refusal of wisdom. Going astray completes the picture: lost and dead, having rejected the path back.
Proverbs 5:23 in the Original Language
folly (אִוְּלֶת iwweleth) — folly, senselessness; the state of acting without wisdom or understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 5:23
What does Proverbs 5:23 mean?
Those who reject instruction die foolish and lost.
What is the context of Proverbs 5:23?
The final consequence: death without wisdom, lost in one's own folly.