Proverbs 9:9

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

Proverbs 9:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
ESV
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
NLT
9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
MSG
9 Save your breath for the wise - they'll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know - they'll profit from it.
CSB
9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.

Proverbs 9:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 9:9

Give [instruction] to a wise [man]
In the Hebrew text it is only "give to a wise man"; give him reproof, correction, chastisement, doctrine, or instruction, be it what it will, he will be the better for it. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it, "give occasion"; to him of showing his wisdom and of improving in it: and he will be yet wiser;
he will learn something by every him that is given him, whether it be by way of rebuke, or by way of instruction; teach a just [man];
one that is truly so, that has seen the insufficiency of his own righteousness, and has renounced that, and does not trust in it; and who has learned Christ, as the Lord his righteousness; has seen the glory, fulness, and suitableness of his righteousness, and trusts unto it and depends upon it; and in consequence of this lives soberly, righteously, and godly; teach such a man the doctrines of the Gospel, and every lesson of obedience and duty, and he will increase in learning;
he will grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ and all divine things; see ( Matthew 13:12 ) .

Proverbs 9:9 In-Context

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 1:5,7; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:10; Proverbs 14:6; Proverbs 15:31; Proverbs 19:25
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