He dies for lack of discipline
The concept of discipline in the biblical context often refers to moral and spiritual self-control. In the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, discipline is closely tied to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The lack of discipline can lead to spiritual and physical demise, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Samson, whose lack of self-control led to his downfall (Judges 16). The Hebrew word for "discipline" can also imply correction or instruction, suggesting that ignoring divine guidance results in dire consequences. This phrase warns of the ultimate consequence of neglecting wisdom and instruction, which is death, both spiritually and sometimes physically.

led astray by his own great folly
Folly in the biblical sense is not merely foolishness but a moral failing, a rejection of wisdom and understanding. The phrase "led astray" indicates a deviation from the path of righteousness, often due to one's own decisions and desires. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that sin originates from within, as James 1:14-15 explains that each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire. The "great folly" here can be seen as a life lived in opposition to God's commandments, leading to ruin. This is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where wisdom is personified and calls out to those who are simple to turn from their ways (Proverbs 1:20-33). The phrase serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of ignoring divine wisdom and choosing one's own path over God's.

1. The Foolish Man
The primary subject of this verse, representing anyone who lacks discipline and is led astray by their own folly.

2. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and is addressing his son or a young man in this chapter.

3. The Path of Folly
A metaphorical path representing a life lived without wisdom or discipline, leading to destruction.The Importance of Discipline
Discipline is crucial for a righteous life. Without it, one is prone to making foolish decisions that lead to spiritual and sometimes physical death.

Consequences of Folly
The verse warns of the severe consequences of living a life without wisdom and discipline. It serves as a reminder that our choices have real and lasting impacts.

Self-Examination
Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas lacking discipline and seek God's wisdom to correct their paths.

Seeking Wisdom
The pursuit of wisdom and understanding is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and a willingness to learn from God's Word.

Guarding Against Deception
The verse highlights the danger of being led astray by one's own desires and the importance of staying grounded in biblical truth.(23) He shall die without instruction.--Rather, for want of discipline, because he would not control himself, "he shall die," and "for the greatness of his folly (self-will) he shall go astray," and "wander where there is no way" (Job 12:24).

Verse 23. - He shall die without instruction. The phrase, "without instruction," is in the original b'eyu musar, literally, "in there not being instruction." The obvious meaning is, because he gave no heed to instruction. So Aben Ezra and Gersom. The Authorized Version is at least ambiguous, and seems to imply that the adulterer has been without instruction, without any to reprove or counsel him. But such is not the case. He has been admonished of the evil consequences of his sin, but to these warnings he has turned a deaf ear, and the teacher says therefore he shall die. The Vulgate supports this explanation, quia non habuit disciplinam "because he did not entertain or use instruction." In the LXX. the idea is enlarged, "He shall die together with these who have no instruction (μετὰ ἀπαιδεύτων)." The b' (בְּ) in b'eyn is causal, and equivalent to propter, as in Genesis 18:28; Jeremiah 17:3. A similar statement is found in Job 4:21, "They die even without wisdom," i.e. because they have disregarded the lessons of wisdom; and Job 36:12, "They shall die without knowledge." And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray; better, as Delitzsch, "He shall stagger to ruin." The verb shagah is used as in vers. 19 and 20, but with a deeper and more dread significance. A climax is reached in the manner in which the end of the adulterer is portrayed. His end is without a gleam of hope or satisfaction. With an understanding darkened and rendered callous by unrestrained indulgence in lust, and by folly which has reached its utmost limits and cannot, as it were, be surpassed, in that it has persistently and wilfully set aside and scorned wisdom and true happiness, the adulterer, like the drunkard, who is oblivious of the danger before him, shall stagger to ruin.

Parallel Commentaries ...

He
ה֗וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will die
יָ֭מוּת (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

for lack
בְּאֵ֣ין (bə·’ên)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

of discipline,
מוּסָ֑ר (mū·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

led astray
יִשְׁגֶּֽה׃ (yiš·geh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7686: To stray, to mistake, to transgress, to reel, be enraptured

by his own great
וּבְרֹ֖ב (ū·ḇə·rōḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness

folly.
אִוַּלְתּ֣וֹ (’iw·wal·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 200: Silliness


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:23 He will die for lack of instruction (Prov. Pro Pr)