Proverbs 9:8
Proverbs 9:8 in Multiple Translations
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.
Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.
So don't argue with mockers or they'll only hate you; argue with the wise and they'll love you.
Rebuke not a scorner, least he hate thee: but rebuke a wise man, and he will loue thee.
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.
Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you.
Reprove not a scorner, lest he shall hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Rebuke not a scorner lest he hate thee. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Do not rebuke someone who will not allow others to ◄correct him/tell him what he has done is wrong►, because he will hate you for doing that. But if you rebuke a wise person, he will respect you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:8
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 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תּ֣וֹכַח
לֵ֭ץ
פֶּן
יִשְׂנָאֶ֑/ךָּ
הוֹכַ֥ח
לְ֝/חָכָ֗ם
וְ/יֶאֱהָבֶֽ/ךָּ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תּ֣וֹכַח
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
לֵ֭ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִשְׂנָאֶ֑/ךָּ
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
הוֹכַ֥ח
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לְ֝/חָכָ֗ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Prep | Adj
וְ/יֶאֱהָבֶֽ/ךָּ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | 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 9:8
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תּ֣וֹכַח
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
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.
לֵ֭ץ
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.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִשְׂנָאֶ֑/ךָּ
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
הוֹכַ֥ח
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
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.
לְ֝/חָכָ֗ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Prep | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וְ/יֶאֱהָבֶֽ/ךָּ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 9:8
Context — The Way of Wisdom
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. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:18 | Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:9 | Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:12 | A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise. |
| 5 | Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:23 | He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. |
| 8 | Leviticus 19:17 | You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. |
| 9 | Matthew 15:14 | Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” |
| 10 | Hebrews 6:4–8 | It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame. For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. |
Proverbs 9:8 Summary
Proverbs 9:8 teaches us that we should not waste our time trying to correct people who are not interested in listening, because they will only become angry and hate us. Instead, we should focus on sharing wisdom with people who are humble and receptive, because they will appreciate our efforts and grow in love and wisdom. This is in line with other Bible verses, such as Proverbs 1:7 and Matthew 7:6, which remind us to be careful about who we share our wisdom with. By being discerning in our interactions with others, we can build stronger relationships and help each other grow in wisdom and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we not rebuke a mocker according to Proverbs 9:8?
We should not rebuke a mocker because they will only hate us for it, as the verse states, and this is also supported by Proverbs 9:7, which says that correcting a mocker brings shame on ourselves.
What is the difference between a mocker and a wise man in this context?
A mocker is someone who scoffs at wisdom and correction, whereas a wise man is someone who loves and seeks wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 9:9, which says that instructing a wise man will make him even wiser.
How does Proverbs 9:8 relate to our interactions with others in the church?
This verse reminds us to be discerning in how we interact with others, being careful not to waste our time and energy on those who will not receive correction, and instead focusing on those who are humble and receptive to wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:6 and Ephesians 4:29.
What is the ultimate goal of rebuking a wise man according to Proverbs 9:8?
The ultimate goal of rebuking a wise man is not to condemn or criticize, but to help him grow in wisdom and love, as the verse says that a wise man will love us if we rebuke him, and this is in line with the biblical principle of loving correction found in Proverbs 3:12 and Revelation 3:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have responded to correction or rebuke in the past, and how can I grow in humility and receptivity to wisdom?
- How can I discern whether someone is a mocker or a wise person, and what are some strategies for interacting with each type of person?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to receive correction or rebuke, and how can I humble myself to receive wisdom from others?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth and correct others with the need to be gentle and loving in my interactions with them, as modeled in Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 4:6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee,.... For wicked men are apt to hate those that publicly rebuke them, Amos 5:10.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:8
Reprove not a scorner; an obstinate and incorrigible sinner, who scornfully rejects and despiseth the means of amendment. Thus physicians deny physic to persons in desperate condition. Lest he hate thee; whereby thou wilt not only expose thyself without necessity to his malice and rage, but also make thyself utterly uncapable of doing him that good which possibly thou mightest do by other more prudent and proper means. Rebuke a wise man; who is opposed to the scorner, to intimate that scorners, howsoever they are thought by themselves or others to be witty or wise, yet in God’ s account, and in truth, are fools. He will love thee; both for that faithfulness and charity which he perceiveth in thee, and for that benefit which he receiveth from thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:8
Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.Ver. 8. Reprove not a scorner.] See my "Commonplace of Admonition." Look how dogs prefer loathsome carrion before the sweetest odours, and would fly in the faces of such as would drive them from it: so is it here. And he will love thee.] When he hath well considered he will, though, for present, he may seem to do otherwise; as Ass swaggered with the prophet, and put him in prison. We read in the ecclesiastical history that Agapetus, bishop of Rome, being sent by Theodatus, king of Goths, to Constantinople on an embassy to Justinian, and having obtained a peace, he was earnestly entreated by the emperor to subscribe and confirm the heresy of Eutyches. This when he utterly refused to do, the emperor threatened him in case he did not. Agapetus thereto boldly replied - I had a desire to wait upon Justinian, whom I took to be a most pious prince; but now I perceive him to be a most violent persecutor, a second Dioclesian. With this free reproof, and God’ s blessing with it, Justinian was so wrought upon, that he presently embraced the true faith, and banishing bishop Anthemius, a great propagator of the Eutychian heresy, he set up Menna, an orthodox divine, in his room, whom Agapetus consecrated, if Platina may be believed. David loved Nathan the better while he lived for dealing so plainly with him, and named him a commissioner for the declaring of his successor. So Alipius loved Augustine for reproving him. Funcius.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:8
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:8
8. Reprove not a scorner — This is not to be understood as an imperative prohibition, to be observed in all cases; but as a strong way of stating the effects of reproof upon a scoffer: if thou reprove, etc.
Sermons on Proverbs 9:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jesus Teaches About Being Critical of Others Matthew 7:1-6 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on Jesus' teaching about judging others, emphasizing the importance of not being quick to find faults in others without considering all the facts. He highlig |
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Prof. Finney's Letters--No. 32 by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the Church about the critical distinction between censoriousness and Christian faithfulness, emphasizing that reproof is a necessary aspect of spiritual gr |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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God Is a Good Father - 3. a Father Who Rebukes and Disciplines Us by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving God's discipline and rebuke as a means to partake in His holiness. It contrasts self-manufactured holiness, which can lead to pri |
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Uzziah's Pride - Famous King to Excluded Leper by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings | This sermon delves into the life of King Uzziah from 2 Chronicles 26, highlighting his journey from seeking God and prospering to falling into pride and facing the consequences. It |
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An Helpmeet for Him by Stanley H. Frodsham | Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the life of Mr. Greatheart, a man with a great heart of love and loyalty to his Master, guiding and guarding fellow pilgrims on their journey. Th |
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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 |