Proverbs 9:7

Translations

Modern

He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

Traditional

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

Literal

The one correcting one scoffing is receiving for himself shame, and the one rebuking a wicked one, his blemish.

Latin

Qui erudit derisorem, ipse injuriam sibi facit, et qui arguit impium, sibi maculam generat.

Original

Hebrew

English

He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

Notes

Proverbs 9:7–9

These verses create a break between the invitations of Wisdom and Folly. The purpose might be to warn the simple (Proverbs 9:4) that inviting mockers and the wicked is often pointless. These people have already chosen their path and respond to Wisdom's advice with violence. In contrast, the wise appreciate and benefit from corrective advice.

Proverbs 8:1–9:18

The first part of Proverbs reaches a peak when the son meets two women. Both invite the young man, and the reader, into a close relationship. The young man and the reader must choose between:

The woman named Wisdom, who represents God's true wisdom (Proverbs 8:1–9:6)
The woman named Folly (9:13–18), who represents worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16)

Both women's houses are on "the heights of the city" (Proverbs 9:3, 14), which suggests ancient temples. The choice is between the true God and false gods.

Theme notes and profiles

The Choice of Life or Death

Related verses

Proverbs 15:12
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
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.
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?”
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.’”
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?”
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.”
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.’”
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.
1 Kings 18:17
When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”

Proverbs 9:7

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