Proverbs 17:10
Proverbs 17:10 in Multiple Translations
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
A word of protest goes deeper into one who has sense than a hundred blows into a foolish man.
A reprimand hits a thinking person more than one hundred blows hit someone stupid.
A reproofe entereth more into him that hath vnderstanding, then an hundreth stripes into a foole.
Rebuke cometh down on the intelligent More than a hundred stripes on a fool.
A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool.
A reproof availeth more with a wise man, than a hundred stripes with a fool.
Rebuking people who have good sense will accomplish more for them than hitting them 100 times with a stick.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תֵּ֣חַת
גְּעָרָ֣ה
בְ/מֵבִ֑ין
מֵ/הַכּ֖וֹת
כְּסִ֣יל
מֵאָֽה
תֵּ֣חַת
nâchath
H5181
to descend
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
גְּעָרָ֣ה
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
rebuke
N-fs
בְ/מֵבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
Prep | V-Hiphil
מֵ/הַכּ֖וֹת
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
כְּסִ֣יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
מֵאָֽה
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:10
תֵּ֣חַת
nâchath
H5181
"to descend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go down or descend, like going down a mountain or into a valley. It can also mean to press down or be broken. It appears in various forms, such as when the Israelites went down to Egypt.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go down, descend 1a2) to descend, descend into (chastisement) (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to come down into, penetrate 1c) (Piel) to cause to descend, press down, stretch (a bow) 1d) (Hiphil) to bring down Aramaic equivalent: ne.chat (נְחֵת "to descend" H5182)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be broken, (cause to) come down, enter, go down, press sore, settle, stick fast. See also: 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalms 38:3; Psalms 18:35.
גְּעָרָ֣ה
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
"rebuke"
N-fs
A rebuke is a stern warning or correction, often given to someone who has done wrong. It is a way of reproof, aiming to guide the person back to the right path.
Definition: a rebuke, reproof
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: rebuke(-ing), reproof. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Proverbs 13:8; Psalms 18:16.
בְ/מֵבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Prep | V-Hiphil
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
מֵ/הַכּ֖וֹת
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
כְּסִ֣יל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
מֵאָֽה
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:10
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
8A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
11An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 3:19 | Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:8–9 | Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:5 | A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:22 | Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 13:1 | A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:25 | Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. |
| 7 | Proverbs 29:19 | A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. |
| 8 | Psalms 141:5 | Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked. |
Proverbs 17:10 Summary
This verse means that when someone with wisdom and understanding is corrected, it affects them deeply, even if the correction is gentle. This is because they know what is right and wrong, and they feel bad when they do something wrong, as we see in Psalms 51:3-4. On the other hand, someone who doesn't care about what is right or wrong might not even notice when they are being corrected, even if it's done in a harsh way. This teaches us to be open to correction and to value wisdom and understanding, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 12:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a man of discernment in Proverbs 17:10?
A man of discernment is someone who has wisdom and understanding, often gained through experience and a deep knowledge of God's Word, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalms 119:66.
Why does a rebuke cut deeper into a man of discernment than a hundred lashes into a fool?
This is because a man of discernment has a greater understanding of right and wrong, and therefore feels the weight of correction more deeply, as noted in Proverbs 9:8-9 and Hebrews 12:11.
Is it always effective to rebuke someone, or are there better ways to correct them?
While rebuke can be a necessary tool for correction, it's not always the most effective approach, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, which suggests that a gentle answer can turn away wrath.
How can we apply the principle of Proverbs 17:10 in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by being open to correction and feedback from others, as well as being mindful of how we correct others, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:6 and Ephesians 4:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more receptive to rebuke and correction?
- How can I balance the need to correct others with the need to do so in a loving and gentle manner?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate discernment and wisdom in my own life, so that I can be more sensitive to correction and guidance?
- How can I ensure that my responses to correction are humble and receptive, rather than defensive or dismissive?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:10
A reproof entereth more into a wise man,.... A single verbal reproof, gently, kindly, and prudently given, not only enters the ear, but the heart of a wise and understanding man; it descends into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:10
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
Is more effectual for his reformation.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
Proverbs 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.Ver. 10. A reproof entereth more into a wise man, &c.] A word to the wise is sufficient. A look from Christ brake Peter’ s heart, and dissolved it into tears. Augustus being in a great rage, ready to pass sentence of death upon many, was taken off by these words of his friend Maecenas, written in a note, and cast into his lap, Tandem aliquando surge carnifex. Pray rise at last executioner! When Luther was once in a great heat, Melanchthon cooled him and qualified him by repeating that verse, Vince animos iramque tuam, qui caetera vincis: Master your passions, you that so easily master all things else. Than an hundred stripes into a fool.] Hic enim plectitur, sed non flectitur; corripitur, sod non corrigitur: Beaten he is, but not bent to goodness; amerced, but not amended. The cypress, the more it is watered, the more it is withered. Ahaz was the worse for his afflictions; so was the railing thief. Jeroboam’ s withered hand works nothing upon his heart.
He had herein as great a miracle wrought before him, saith a reverend man, as St Paul had at his conversion, yet was he not wrought upon, because the Spirit did not set it on. Aναστηθιηδηποτεδημιε. - Joh. Manl., loc. com. Dr Preston.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
Verse 10. A reproof entereth more] Though the rod, judiciously applied, is a great instrument of knowledge, yet it is of no use where incurable dulness or want of intellect, prevails. Besides, there are generous dispositions on which counsel will work more than stripes.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:10
10. more] Rather, deeper, R.V.; as we say, makes a deeper impression. See Proverbs 18:8, Proverbs 26:22. Maurer compares “altius in pectus descendit” (Sall. Jug. 11), “curam in animos descensuram” (Liv. 2. 52); and for the sentiment, “nobilis equus umbra quoque virgæ regitur, ignavus ne calcari quidem concitari potest” (Curt. 7. 4): “a noble steed is ruled even by the shadow of the whip; a sluggish one cannot be roused even by the spur.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
10. A reproof entereth more into a wise man — Takes firmer hold of his judgment and conscience, and so affects more his habits of thought and life, and does more to correct any evil, than a hundred
Sermons on Proverbs 17:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t |
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Holy Harmony - Part 1 by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a holy harmony in our lives. He reflects on the difference that Jesus Christ has made in his own life and challenges the au |
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David Wilkerson Prophecy - New York 1000 Fires by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the judgment of societies by God, warning of impending chastisement for turning away from righteousness and holiness. The speaker predicts a period of intens |
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Trials and Afflictions by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in faithfulness during trials and afflictions. He refers to 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-14, which encourages bel |
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(I Want an Answer) Is Christianity Practical? by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the spoken word of God. He explains that just as the energy of God's word created and sustains the physical world, it also has t |
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Someone's Knocking at the Door by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of profanity and the use of God's name in vain in everyday conversations. He emphasizes that these words are pervasive in society a |
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Holines, Brokeness, Repentance, Grace by James MacDonald | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of repentance and conversion in order to experience times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. He highlights the need f |