Proverbs 9:9

9 Save your breath for the wise - they'll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know - they'll profit from it.

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 If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.
8 So don't waste your time on a scoffer; all you'll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that's different - they'll love you for it!
9 Save your breath for the wise - they'll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know - they'll profit from it.
10 Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God.
11 It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.