Prov 1:23 says, “Turn you at my reproof”.  A reproof is criticism for a fault or blame expressed to the face.  Reproofs are intended to get you to turn for your own good.

In the context, the Lord reproves the simple, scorners, and fools, Prov 1:22, in order to turn them from their folly.  If they turn, he then pours out his Spirit and makes known his words unto them.  Thus, they become wise and understanding, and they dwell safely and are quiet from fear of evil, Prov 1:33.

If, instead, they despise reproof, Prov 1:30, and refuse to turn, then desolation, destruction, and distress come upon them, Prov 1:27.  And with some the Lord just laughs and mocks and turns a deaf ear to their calls for help, Prov 1:26, 28.

The purpose is to get you to turn, to know his words, and then to follow them.  Here’s a classic example.

• Peter in Matt 16:21-23.  He didn’t believe in Jesus’s death and resurrection.  He should have believed.  Instead, he was reproved for savoring the things of men rather than God.
• Peter in Lk 22:31-38, (before they entered the garden).  He didn’t believe what Jesus said about Satan sifting him.  He believed rather that he was ready to go to prison and die.  Jesus reproved him and warned that Peter would deny him before the cock would crow.  He should have believed Jesus.
• Peter in Mk 14:26-31, (after they entered the garden).  Peter didn’t believe the prophesied word of God, Zech 13:7, or what Jesus said Peter would do.  Jesus reproved him again.  He should have believed the scripture and what Jesus said.
• Peter in the garden in Mk 14:37-40.  Jesus reproved him for sleeping.  He should have turned at this reproof, but he slept again.

Then when Judas and the band of soldiers entered the garden, Peter cut off Malchus’s ear.  He should have believed the reproofs.  What Peter didn’t see coming was his anger that Jesus would willingly die.  Peter had said in Matt 16:22, “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee”.  And when Jesus wouldn’t defend himself and Peter was reproved for defending him, Peter denied him, Lk 22:60-62.  Peter finally got the reproof when the Lord turned and looked upon him.

When the Lord reproves you with his word, turn you at his reproof.  Many of us are like Peter.  We need to be reproved 4-5 times before we get it.  Learn to turn at his reproof sooner, preferably after the first reproof.