Proverbs 9:9

9 Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in 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 Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse; whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.
8 A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you.
9 Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb lacks [instruction]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.