Proverbs 9:8 kjv

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 9:8 nkjv

Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 9:8 niv

Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.

Proverbs 9:8 esv

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 9:8 nlt

So don't bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.

Proverbs 9 verses

Proverbs 9 8 Meaning

Proverbs 9:8 conveys crucial wisdom on the art of communication and discernment, particularly regarding reproof. It teaches that one should not correct those who scorn wisdom (mockers), because their entrenched pride and contempt will lead them to resent and harm the one who offers correction. Instead, the verse instructs to offer correction and instruction to those who are already wise, as they are humble, value truth, and will respond with gratitude and affection, recognizing the benefit of the instruction. This verse highlights the importance of discerning the audience when sharing truth and wisdom.

Proverbs 9 8 Context

Proverbs chapter 9 presents a powerful contrast between Wisdom and Folly, personified as two women inviting people to their respective houses. Wisdom’s call (9:1-6) offers sustenance for life, understanding, and eternal flourishing, leading to the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:8 appears as a critical interjection following Wisdom’s invitation but before Folly’s, serving as a practical instruction on how to dispense wisdom and to whom. It clarifies that Wisdom’s invitation is not universally accepted, and discernment is necessary when extending truth. The verse serves as a preamble to the conclusion of the first major section of Proverbs, which distinguishes the wise from the foolish/mockers in their responsiveness to divine instruction. The broader book of Proverbs functions as a collection of divine insights for practical living, emphasizing the development of moral character and discernment to navigate the complexities of life righteously. Historically, these proverbs were likely taught in families or communities, equipping individuals to identify and interact wisely with different types of people in society.

Proverbs 9 8 Word analysis

• Do not rebuke (אַל-תּוֹכַח - 'al-tokhiaḥ):
  • 'al: Negative particle, "do not." This is a strong prohibition.
  • tokhiaḥ (from יָכַח - yakhaḥ): Means to argue, decide, adjudge, prove, reprove, correct, rebuke. It implies confronting someone with truth for correction or conviction. The nuance here is admonishment for the purpose of guiding someone back to a correct path. The phrase underscores the futility and danger of engaging mockers.
• mockers (לֵץ - lēts):
  • The lēts is a central negative character in Proverbs. This person is not merely foolish (lacks understanding) but actively despises and scorns wisdom, correction, and anyone who offers it. They are characterized by arrogance, contempt, and rebellion against God and truth. They often stir up strife (Prov 29:8). Rebuke, which aims to improve, will only infuriate them as it challenges their entrenched pride.
• or they will hate you (וְיִשְׂנָאוּכָה - wəyiśnāʾûkhā):
  • yiśnāʾûkhā (from שָׂנֵא - śānēʾ): Strong word for "hate." It implies intense animosity, active opposition, and even persecution. Mockers view correction as a personal attack on their identity and preferred lifestyle, rather than a helpful truth, leading to bitterness and hostility.
• rebuke the wise (הוֹכַח לְחָכָם - hokhíaḥ l'ḥākām):
  • hokhíaḥ (from יָכַח - yakhaḥ): Same verb as "rebuke" previously, but now used positively. The difference is the recipient.
  • l'ḥākām (from חָכָם - ḥākām): To/for the wise. The ḥākām is someone who loves wisdom, seeks understanding, fears the Lord, and is open to learning and growing. They are humble enough to admit their need for guidance and see correction as a pathway to greater wisdom.
• and they will love you (וְיֹאהֲבוּכָה - wəyōʾahǎvûkhā):
  • yōʾahǎvûkhā (from אָהֵב - ʾāhēḇ): Strong word for "love." It signifies affection, appreciation, and respect. The wise person perceives rebuke as a sign of care and a means to their improvement, fostering a positive relationship built on mutual respect and shared pursuit of truth. They value the one who helps them grow.

• Words-Group analysis:
  • "Do not rebuke mockers, or they will hate you": This clause teaches the strategic silence often required when dealing with entrenched spiritual or intellectual arrogance. Attempting to correct those who have solidified their contempt for truth is not only fruitless but self-destructive for the one offering the rebuke. It warns against casting "pearls before pigs" (Matt 7:6).
  • "rebuke the wise, and they will love you": This contrasts sharply with the first part. It teaches that the wise welcome correction because they desire growth and insight above all else. They understand that honest critique from a loving source is a precious gift. This fosters deeper respect and mutual benefit, enabling wisdom to multiply. The verse distinguishes between effective and ineffective evangelism, instruction, and communication.

Commentary

Proverbs 9:8 serves as a profound lesson in discernment for those who would impart truth or wisdom. It draws a clear line between two types of recipients: the mocker (lēts) and the wise (ḥākām). The mocker is not merely ignorant but willfully antagonistic towards truth and correction. Their scorn is deeply ingrained, and any attempt to enlighten them is met with hatred and hostility, as it challenges their core identity and self-inflated sense of knowing. This makes confronting them not just ineffective, but personally dangerous. Conversely, the wise person actively seeks wisdom and understands that growth often comes through correction. They possess the humility to recognize their limitations and are grateful for feedback that leads to greater understanding or a more righteous path. Thus, rebuking the wise fosters a bond of love and respect. This proverb does not negate the importance of sharing truth but underscores the necessity of choosing the right moment and recipient. It teaches us to conserve our efforts and focus on those who are open to receiving, fostering fruitful relationships in the pursuit of righteousness.

Bonus section

The distinction between the "mocker" (lēts), the "fool" (kəsiyl or ʾěwil), and the "simple" (petî) is significant in Proverbs. The simple is naive and easily led, capable of learning. The fool lacks wisdom and acts without good sense but isn't necessarily hostile to wisdom initially. The mocker, however, is deeply entrenched in his rejection of wisdom, scoffing at divine instruction and those who embody it. This verse specifically warns against the mocker, who is the most dangerous recipient of unsolicited correction because their pride has become impenetrable, leading to active malevolence rather than mere indifference. The act of "rebuking" implies not just sharing information, but bringing a charge or proving someone wrong, often implying a confrontation. It is this confrontational aspect, even when well-intended, that incites the mocker's wrath while drawing the wise into deeper appreciation.

Proverbs 9 8 Bonus section

Proverbs 9 8 Commentary