Proverbs 9:7-12

7 He who ¹corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

8 ²Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, ³Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will ⁴increase his learning.

10 The ⁵fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For ⁶by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise ⁷for yourself, And if you ⁸scoff, you alone will bear it.

Proverbs 9:7-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 9

In this chapter, Wisdom, or Christ, is represented as having built a stately house or palace for the entertainment of his guests, Pr 9:1; as having made large and suitable provisions for them, Pr 9:2; and as having sent his servants to invite them to come and partake of them, and quit all other company but his, Pr 9:3-6; When it is observed who are and who are not to be reproved, with the reasons of it, Pr 9:7-9; and what is the sum and substance of true wisdom; and what the advantages of it both here and hereafter, Pr 9:10-12; And the chapter is concluded with the description of the foolish woman, the opposite of Wisdom; who is represented as clamorous, simple, and ignorant, Pr 9:13; and plying passengers that go by her door, and inviting them in to partake of her provisions, Pr 9:14-17; the consequence of which is sure and certain death and destruction to her guests, Pr 9:18.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 23:9
• 2. Proverbs 15:12; Matthew 7:6
• 3. Psalms 141:5; Proverbs 10:8
• 4. Proverbs 1:5
• 5. Job 28:28; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7
• 6. Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 10:27
• 7. Job 22:2; Proverbs 14:14
• 8. Proverbs 19:29

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "a blemish"