Proverbs 15:12 kjv
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Proverbs 15:12 nkjv
A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.
Proverbs 15:12 niv
Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
Proverbs 15:12 esv
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
Proverbs 15:12 nlt
Mockers hate to be corrected,
so they stay away from the wise.
Proverbs 15 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 1:7 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. | Fools hate instruction |
| Prov 1:25-30 | because you ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, ...then they will call upon me, but I will not answer. | Consequences of rejecting reproof |
| Prov 9:7-8 | Whoever corrects a scoffer gets dishonor, and whoever reproves a wicked person gets a blot. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; | Scoffers hate reproof |
| Prov 13:1 | A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. | Contrast: wise son vs. scoffer |
| Prov 13:18 | Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. | Benefit of heeding reproof |
| Prov 17:10 | A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. | Receptivity of understanding heart |
| Prov 21:11 | When a scoffer is punished, the simple gets wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge. | Scoffers are punished, wise are instructed |
| Prov 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. | Pride prevents receiving wisdom |
| Prov 29:1 | He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. | Danger of continuous resistance |
| Prov 29:23 | One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. | Pride opposes humility for wisdom |
| Ps 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; | Scoffers as ultimate moral corruption |
| Jer 7:28 | "...this is a nation that has not obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and has not accepted discipline;" | Nation rejecting correction |
| Zep 3:2 | She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord; she does not draw near to her God. | Refusal to listen & accept correction |
| Mal 3:7 | From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord | Calling to repentance, implying resistance |
| Matt 7:6 | "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." | Not giving wisdom to those who disdain it |
| Jn 3:19-20 | And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. | Loving darkness, hating light/truth |
| Jn 7:7 | The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. | World hates truth/correction |
| 2 Tim 3:7 | always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. | Never reaching truth due to rejection |
| Heb 12:5-8 | And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord..." | Divine discipline is a sign of sonship |
| Jam 1:22 | But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. | Importance of doing, not just hearing |
| Jam 4:6 | God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. | God's posture toward the proud/humble |
Proverbs 15 verses
Proverbs 15 12 Meaning
Proverbs 15:12 describes the characteristic behavior and disposition of a scoffer. A scoffer does not cherish or accept correction or rebuke, preferring to cling to their own skewed understanding. Consequently, such an individual actively avoids association with or seeking guidance from those who possess true wisdom, isolating themselves from opportunities for growth and knowledge.
Proverbs 15 12 Context
Proverbs chapter 15 offers a series of distinct antithetical couplets and short instructional sayings, primarily contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. The chapter frequently emphasizes the heart as the source of words and actions, the value of wise counsel, and the consequences of embracing or rejecting correction. Verse 12 is placed among proverbs highlighting the impact of speech (e.g., verses 1-4) and the importance of seeking knowledge (e.g., verse 14). It directly follows a verse about the wise accepting knowledge and seeking understanding (15:14), forming a sharp contrast: the wise pursue knowledge, while the scoffer actively shuns it and those who possess it. Historically, the Proverbs were a part of the wisdom literature cultivated within ancient Israel, providing ethical and practical instruction for living a righteous and flourishing life according to divine principles, often reflecting a context of paternal guidance.
Proverbs 15 12 Word analysis
A scoffer: (לֵץ, letz) – This term denotes a person characterized by arrogant mockery and disdain for wisdom, correction, and righteous principles. The letz is more entrenched in their folly than a simple evil (kesil), as they actively ridicule divine instruction and those who embody it. This is not merely a foolish mistake, but an active, willful resistance stemming from pride.
does not love: (לֹא־אָהַב, lo-ahav) – The verb "love" indicates a deep affection and preference. Its negation here signifies a profound dislike, a personal antagonism, or a strong aversion to correction. It implies an internal heart disposition of active resistance rather than mere indifference.
to be reproved: (תוֹכֵחָה, tokhakhah) – This refers to correction, rebuke, instruction, or even conviction. It carries the sense of bringing to light, demonstrating an error, and guiding toward truth or righteousness. The scoffer sees it not as an aid but as an assault.
he will not go: (לֹא־יֵלֵךְ, lo-yelekh) – "Go" (from הָלַךְ, halakh) often means to walk, or to habitually proceed or associate with. Here, it denotes an unwillingness to approach, seek out, or be in the presence of someone for instruction or guidance. It illustrates an intentional avoidance of beneficial interaction.
to the wise: (אֶל־חֲכָמִים, 'el-khakhamim) – These are individuals who embody divine wisdom and understanding, living by its principles and capable of offering sound counsel and insight. The scoffer, due to their aversion to correction, severs themselves from the very source of spiritual and practical growth.
Words-group Analysis:
- "A scoffer does not love to be reproved": This highlights the deep internal attitude of the scoffer. Their identity is intrinsically linked to their refusal of truth. It's not just a casual dismissal but an emotional and volitional rejection rooted in pride and self-sufficiency. They are offended by correction because it challenges their elevated view of themselves.
- "he will not go to the wise": This describes the behavioral consequence stemming from the scoffer's inner disposition. Because they hate correction, they actively avoid environments and individuals who would provide it. This self-imposed isolation from sources of wisdom guarantees their continued foolishness and spiritual stagnation. The two phrases demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between a proud heart and self-damaging actions.
Proverbs 15 12 Bonus section
The scoffer (letz) in Proverbs represents the highest degree of moral depravity and spiritual resistance. The progression often seen in wisdom literature, from the simple fool to the evil person, culminates in the scoffer, who actively mocks and despises God's established order. Because the letz delights in scorning, their heart is hardened against the very instrument of change—correction. Proverbs 9:7-8 warns against reproving a scoffer precisely because it is counterproductive; they will not receive it but instead grow to hate the one offering correction. This distinguishes the scoffer from merely ignorant or naïve individuals who might eventually respond to wisdom. The scoffer’s choice to refuse wisdom leads to a self-inflicted spiritual blindness, sealing them off from redemption. They refuse to approach the light (wisdom) because their deeds are intrinsically aligned with darkness.
Proverbs 15 12 Commentary
Proverbs 15:12 paints a clear portrait of the scoffer, an individual whose core characteristic is an utter contempt for correction and true wisdom. This verse emphasizes that the scoffer's rejection of reproof stems from an internal, active dislike rather than mere ignorance. Their inflated pride makes any form of instruction or rebuke feel like a personal assault, something to be loathed. Consequently, their pride-fueled aversion to correction dictates their social interactions; they deliberately shun the company and counsel of the wise. They choose isolation from beneficial influence, effectively cutting themselves off from any hope of genuine learning or growth. This makes their folly a self-perpetuating cycle, as their refusal to engage with wisdom ensures their continued resistance to God's truth. This is in stark contrast to the humble heart, which welcomes scrutiny and seeks out guidance from godly sources, understanding that correction is a pathway to growth and righteousness.
Practical usage:
- Self-reflection: We should ask ourselves if we genuinely welcome feedback and correction, even when it is difficult, or if our hearts are prone to resist truth when it challenges us.
- Seeking counsel: It reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals who can offer sound, even challenging, advice, and to humbly receive it.
- Discerning others: The verse provides insight into identifying those who are genuinely open to spiritual growth versus those whose pride hinders their capacity to learn from God or others.