15:32

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

32a
He who ignores discipline despises himself,

32b but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

15:32a–b

He who ignores discipline…whoever heeds correction: For the meaning of these contrasting parallel phrases, see the notes on the identical phrases in 13:18a–b. As in that verse, no contrast is intended between the words discipline and correction.

15:32a

despises himself: These words indicate that a person who ignores discipline rejects himself and considers himself to be useless or of no value. Some ways to express the meaning of this line are:

Whoever rejects correction lacks self-respect (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Those who refuse correction hate themselves (New Century Version)

15:32b

gains understanding: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “acquires/gains heart.” A phrase with the opposite meaning “lacks heart” occurs in 10:13b and 15:21a. (See the notes there.) In all these expressions, “heart” refers to good sense or good judgment.

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