Proverbs 9:9

9 Give to a wise one and he will become more wise; {teach} a righteous one and he will increase learning.

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 He who corrects a scoffer gains abuse for himself, and he who rebukes the wicked {gets hurt}.
8 Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke the wise and he will love you.
9 Give to a wise one and he will become more wise; {teach} a righteous one and he will increase learning.
10 The start of wisdom is fear of Yahweh, and knowledge of the Holy One, insight.
11 For by me your days shall increase, and years of life shall multiply for you.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Literally "make known to"
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.