What does Proverbs 15:10 mean?

Scripture often symbolizes God's truth and wisdom as a path (Psalm 16:11; 25:10; Proverbs 4:18; 15:21). To step off the established path means entering uncertain, dangerous, and often deadly areas. Whoever strays from the path can expect consequences.

Because God loves His children, He disciplines them when they wander from the narrow path. Hebrews 12:6 teaches that "the Lord disciplines the one loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." His intent is not to crush our spirit (Proverbs 15:4), but to keep us from harm. God's plan is to make his erring child better, not bitter, to draw him closer, not push him away, to lift him up, not put him down.

When a person responds well to discipline, they confess their sin and receive cleansing. First John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." However, if the wayward person rejects correction, death may result. First John 5:16–17 exhorts believers to pray for a brother who sins, but explains there is sin that leads to death, for which believers should not pray