Proverbs 9:7
Proverbs 9:7 in Multiple Translations
He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
He who gives teaching to a man of pride gets shame for himself; he who says sharp words to a sinner gets a bad name.
If you correct a mocker all you get are insults; if you argue with the wicked all you get is abuse.
He that reproueth a scorner, purchaseth to himselfe shame: and he that rebuketh the wicked, getteth himselfe a blot.
The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it — shame, And a reprover of the wicked — his blemish.
One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
He that reproveth a scorner, getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
He that teacheth a scorner, doth an injury to himself: and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot.
If you rebuke someone who will not allow others to correct him, he will insult you. If you reprove/scold an evil man, he will hurt you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:7
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 9:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֹ֤סֵ֨ר
לֵ֗ץ
לֹקֵ֣חַֽ
ל֣/וֹ
קָל֑וֹן
וּ/מוֹכִ֖יחַ
לְ/רָשָׁ֣ע
מוּמֽ/וֹ
יֹ֤סֵ֨ר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Qal
לֵ֗ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
לֹקֵ֣חַֽ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
קָל֑וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
dishonor
N-ms
וּ/מוֹכִ֖יחַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
Conj | V-Hiphil
לְ/רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
מוּמֽ/וֹ
mʼûwm
H3971
blemish
N-ms | Suff
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 9:7
יֹ֤סֵ֨ר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Qal
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
לֵ֗ץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Adj
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.
לֹקֵ֣חַֽ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
קָל֑וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
"dishonor"
N-ms
This word refers to feelings of shame or dishonor, like when someone does something wrong. It is used in Proverbs to describe the shame of foolish behavior. The Bible teaches that God can restore honor to those who repent.
Definition: 1) shame, disgrace, dishonour, ignominy 1a) ignominy (of nation) 1b) dishonour, disgrace (personal)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame. See also: Job 10:15; Proverbs 18:3; Psalms 83:17.
וּ/מוֹכִ֖יחַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
Conj | V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
לְ/רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מוּמֽ/וֹ
mʼûwm
H3971
"blemish"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.
Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 9:7
Context — The Way of Wisdom
5“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.
6Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
7He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.
8Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:12 | A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise. |
| 2 | Proverbs 23:9 | Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 36:16 | But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 25:15–16 | Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet, who said, “Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver them from your hand?” While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.” |
| 5 | 1 Kings 18:17 | When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” |
| 6 | Genesis 19:8–9 | Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them to you, and you can do to them as you please. But do not do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.” “Get out of the way!” they replied. And they declared, “This one came here as a foreigner, and he is already acting like a judge! Now we will treat you worse than them.” And they pressed in on Lot and moved in to break down the door. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 24:20–22 | Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’” But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 21:20 | When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 22:27 | and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” |
| 10 | 1 Kings 22:24 | Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?” |
Proverbs 9:7 Summary
This verse is warning us that trying to correct someone who is not interested in listening can actually bring shame on ourselves. It's like trying to pour water into a bucket with a hole in it - it's just not going to work. As it says in Proverbs 9:8, it's better not to rebuke a mocker, or they will hate us. Instead, we should focus on gentle correction and guidance, as seen in Matthew 18:15, and remember that our goal is to help people come to know and love God, not just to prove a point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible say that correcting a mocker brings shame on ourselves?
According to Proverbs 9:7, correcting a mocker can bring shame on ourselves because they are unlikely to receive the correction and may even turn against us, as seen in Proverbs 9:8, which says not to rebuke a mocker or he will hate you.
Is it ever okay to rebuke someone who is wicked?
While Proverbs 9:7 warns against rebuking a wicked man, other verses like Matthew 18:15 encourage us to gently correct those who are caught in sin, but this should be done with great care and humility, as seen in Galatians 6:1.
How can we know when to correct someone and when to stay silent?
Wisdom is needed to know when to correct someone, as seen in Proverbs 9:8-9, which advises rebuking a wise man, who will love you for it, but not a mocker, who will hate you; we should also consider the guidance of Proverbs 10:32, which says the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.
What is the difference between a mocker and a wise person?
A mocker is someone who ridicules and despises wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, while a wise person is someone who fears the Lord and seeks understanding, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10; the way we respond to correction is a key indicator of whether we are wise or foolish.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have tried to correct someone who was not receptive to feedback, and how did it turn out?
- How can I cultivate the humility and wisdom needed to know when to speak up and when to stay silent in difficult situations?
- What are some ways that I can show love and kindness to those who may be struggling with wickedness or foolishness, rather than simply trying to correct them?
- How can I create a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable receiving feedback and correction?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:7
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame,.... Intimating, that though the simple, and such as want understanding, and of whom there is hope of doing them good, are to be invited into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:7
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame ... a blot.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
He that reproveth a scorner: the connexion may be conceived thus, Having invited the simple, he forbids the invitation of scorners; or thus, He showeth who he meant by the foolish, , even scorners and wicked men, as they are here called; and he presseth his last advice of forsaking them, because there was no good, but hurt, to be got by conversation with them. Getteth to himself shame; partly from the scorner, who will revile and deride him; and partly from others, because he is frustrated in his design and hope, and by his imprudence hath brought an inconvenience upon himself. A blot; a censure or reproach.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.Ver. 7. He that reproveth a scorner.] This, with the three next verses, may seem to come in by way of parenthesis; and they do not obscurely intimate what manner of hearers ministers mostly meet with - viz., such as our Saviour did, - "But the Pharisees that were covetous, derided," or blew their noses at him, εξεμυκτηριζον, as one renders it, - and such as long before him the prophet Isaiah did, "Precept upon precept, line upon line." One observeth that that was a scoff put upon the prophet; and is as if they should say, Here is nothing but line upon line, precept upon precept. The very sound of the words in the original - Zau le zau, kau lakau - carries a taunt, as scornful people by the tone of their voice, and rhyming words, scorn at such as they despise.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
(7) He that reproveth a scorner . . .—Wisdom does not address the scoffer, nor the godless: this would be “giving that which is holy unto the dogs, and casting pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). (Comp. our Lord’s own plan of teaching by parables, that His hearers might not understand (Luke 8:10). Getteth to himself shame.—Or, insult.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
Verse 7. He that reproveth a scorner] לץ lets, the person who mocks at sacred things; the libertine, the infidel; who turns the most serious things into ridicule, and, by his wit, often succeeds in rendering the person who reproves him ridiculous. Wisdom seems here to intimate that it is vain to attempt by reproof to amend such: and yet we must not suffer sin upon our neighbour; at all hazards, we must deliver our own soul. But no reproof should be given to any, but in the spirit of love and deep concern; and when they contradict and blaspheme, leave them to God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:7
7–9. There is some abruptness in the introduction of these verses, which seem to interrupt the even flow of the invitation given by Wisdom. The majority of commentators regard them as the justification offered by Wisdom of her own course, in confining her invitation to the simple, and not extending it to the scorner and the wicked. This explanation, however, leaves us still to enquire why any such justification should here be called for. But if the cry “forsake” (Proverbs 9:6), be as it were the key-note of the appeal, then these verses shew cause alike why Wisdom should not reprove the scorners herself, and why the simple should not linger in their company in the delusive hope of winning them with themselves to Wisdom.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:7
These verses seem somewhat to interrupt the continuity of the invitation which Wisdom utters.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:7
7. Reproveth — Correcteth. A scorner — This seemingly abrupt transition is like that in Proverbs 1:24, where see note.
Sermons on Proverbs 9:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Right Reaction to Correction by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger an |
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The Final Warning by Asahel Nettleton | Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the |
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Repentance From Dead Works by Richard Owen Roberts | Richard Owen Roberts preaches on the biblical demand for repentance, emphasizing the need to repent not only from sins but also from dead works. He delves into the difference betwe |
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(Proverbs) ch.15:5 - 16:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of possibility and how it relates to our relationship with God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of committing our works and |
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(Haggai) Pointed Powerful Paralysing Preaching by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by the people of Judah and Benjamin as they built the temple of the Lord. He emphasizes that when God calls us to do His |
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His Manifest Presence - Part 1 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a harrowing experience of witnessing a violent attack on a bus. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's presence as a shield |
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Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted W/ Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (1875) by James Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the objection to symbolism in worship. He refers to Deuteronomy 4, where it is stated that God spoke to the people without any similitude or |