Proverbs 9:12
Proverbs 9:12 in Multiple Translations
If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if your heart is full of pride, you only will have the pain of it.
If you are wise, you are the one to profit from it; if you scoff, you alone will have to suffer the consequences.
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thy selfe, and if thou be a scorner, thou alone shalt suffer.
If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned — thyself bearest [it].
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.
If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it .
If thou be wise, thou shalt be so to thyself: and if a scorner, thou alone shalt bear the evil.
If you are wise, you are the one who will benefit from it; if you ridicule becoming wise, you are the one who will suffer.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:12
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 9:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
חָ֭כַמְתָּ
חָכַ֣מְתָּ
לָּ֑/ךְ
וְ֝/לַ֗צְתָּ
לְֽ/בַדְּ/ךָ֥
תִשָּֽׂא
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
חָ֭כַמְתָּ
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
חָכַ֣מְתָּ
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לָּ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/לַ֗צְתָּ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לְֽ/בַדְּ/ךָ֥
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
תִשָּֽׂא
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 9:12
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
חָ֭כַמְתָּ
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
חָכַ֣מְתָּ
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
לָּ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/לַ֗צְתָּ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
לְֽ/בַדְּ/ךָ֥
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
תִשָּֽׂא
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 9:12
Context — The Way of Wisdom
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
12If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.
13The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing. 14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 22:2–3 | “Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless? |
| 2 | 2 Peter 3:3–4 | Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:20 | The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. |
| 4 | Job 22:21 | Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:26 | A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. |
| 6 | Job 35:6–7 | If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? If you multiply your transgressions, what do you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand? |
| 7 | Isaiah 28:22 | So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land. |
| 8 | 2 Peter 3:16 | He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. |
Proverbs 9:12 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 9:12, teaches us that when we make wise choices, we benefit personally, but when we scoff or reject wisdom, we will face the consequences alone, as also warned in Proverbs 1:24-31. Being wise means we think about how our actions will affect us in the long run, and it starts with fearing and respecting God, as stated in Proverbs 9:10. By fearing God and seeking wisdom, we can make good choices that will bring us joy and peace, as seen in Psalms 37:37. As we strive to be wise, we should remember that our decisions have consequences, and we should seek to honor God in all we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be wise to my own advantage?
Being wise to your own advantage means that when you make wise decisions, you will personally benefit from them, as seen in Proverbs 9:12, and this is a result of fearing the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 9:10 and also in Psalms 111:10.
What are the consequences of scoffing?
The consequences of scoffing, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:12, are that you alone will bear them, emphasizing personal responsibility for one's actions, a concept also found in Galatians 6:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the fear of the Lord?
The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, and this verse highlights the personal benefits of wisdom, which is rooted in that fear, and is further supported by Psalms 128:1, which talks about the blessings of those who fear the Lord.
Is it possible to be wise without fearing the Lord?
According to Proverbs 9:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, suggesting that true wisdom is rooted in a reverence for God, as also seen in Job 28:28, which says that the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- How do I currently respond to wisdom and correction in my life, and what are the potential consequences of scoffing?
- In what ways can I cultivate wisdom in my daily decisions and actions, and how will this impact my life?
- What are some areas where I may be scoffing or resisting wisdom, and how can I surrender these to God?
- How can I balance the personal benefits of wisdom with a desire to serve and glorify God, rather than just myself?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:12
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself,.... He is wise that harkens to Wisdom's advice, that obeys her call, turns in to her house, and becomes her guest; and such an one is wise for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:12
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
Thou shalt be wise for thyself; thou dost not profit me, but thyself by it; I advise thee for thine own good. Thou alone shalt bear it; the blame and mischief of it falls wholly upon thee, not upon me, or my word, or ministers who have warned thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
Proverbs 9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].Ver. 12. If thou be wise, thou shalt.] The benefit shall be thine own. Plutarch reports of the palm tree that it yields to the Babylonians three hundred and sixty different commodities, and is therefore in great esteem among them. How should men esteem of sound wisdom, since there is a μυριομακαριοτης in it, a thousand commodities to be reaped by it! Thou alone shalt bear it.] Thy scorning shall not, as thou thinkest, hurt him that tendereth thy salvation. For as the air when beaten is not hurt, no, nor so much as divided, but returns to his place and becomes thicker, Ita animus recti conscius, et ad optima erectus, non admittit irridentium flatus, nec sentit, saith one; so an honest heart, set for heaven, slights the contempts of graceless persons, and pities them that jeer when they should fear, as much as good Lot once did his profane sons-in-law. His words to such are like those of the prophet, "Be not ye mockers, lest your bands be increased."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
(12) Thou shalt be wise for thyself—i.e., to thine own benefit. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:8.) Thou alone shalt bear it—i.e., its penalty. (Comp. Galatians 6:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
Verse 12. If thou be wise] It is thy own interest to be religious. Though thy example may be very useful to thy neighbours and friends, yet the chief benefit is to thyself. But if thou scorn - refuse to receive - the doctrines of wisdom, and die in thy sins, thou alone shalt suffer the vengeance of an offended God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:12
12. shalt be] Rather, art. R.V. The LXX. version of this verse is interesting, and represents perhaps a fuller Hebrew text: “My son, if thou be wise to thyself, thou shalt be wise to thy neighbours also; But if thou turn out evil, thou alone shalt bear (lit. drain) the evil. Whoso stayeth himself upon lies, he tendeth the winds; And he will follow after birds on the wing. For he hath forsaken the ways of his vineyard, and gone astray in the paths of his field; For he walketh through a desert without water, and over a land that is set in thirsty places; And with his hands he gathereth that which is without fruit.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:12
The great law of personal retribution (compare Matthew 7:2). The Septuagint makes a curious addition to this verse, “My son, if thou wilt be wise for thyself, thou shalt be wise also for thy
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
12. For thyself, etc. — There is often a feeling in the mind of children and pupils that their parents and teachers make requirements of them for selfish ends; that they and their teachers are two
Sermons on Proverbs 9:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Judgement Is Coming by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just having access to the light of God's truth, but also actively engaging with it. He warns against the danger of bei |
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The End Times by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses different philosophies of history that people often adopt when interpreting world events. The first view mentioned is the cyclic view, which s |
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Last Day False Prophets by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher warns against false teachers who exploit people with made-up stories and greed. He references biblical examples of God's judgment on sin, such as the p |
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Most Holy Faith by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building oneself up in faith and staying vigilant against worldly temptations. He shares a story about a preacher who hypo |
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(Through the Bible) Ruth by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holding onto something that is no longer rightfully ours. He refers to the book of Revelation, where a scroll with seven seals |
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The Second Coming (Compilation) by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the urgency and importance of being prepared for the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. It highlights the apostasy and disbelief surrounding His coming, w |
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(Genesis) Genesis 8:1-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the word of God and winning souls for Christ. He compares believers to both ravens and doves, highlighting the n |