Proverbs 15:12
New International Version
Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

New Living Translation
Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.

English Standard Version
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Berean Standard Bible
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.

King James Bible
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

New King James Version
A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.

New American Standard Bible
A scoffer does not love one who rebukes him; He will not go to the wise.

NASB 1995
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise.

NASB 1977
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise.

Legacy Standard Bible
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise.

Amplified Bible
A scoffer [unlike a wise man] resents one who rebukes him and tries to teach him; Nor will he go to the wise [for counsel and instruction].

Christian Standard Bible
A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.

American Standard Version
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

Contemporary English Version
Those who sneer at others don't like to be corrected, and they won't ask help from someone with sense.

English Revised Version
A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A mocker does not appreciate a warning. He will not go to wise people.

Good News Translation
Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask for advice from those who are wiser.

International Standard Version
The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him; he will not inquire of the wise.

Majority Standard Bible
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.

NET Bible
The scorner does not love one who corrects him; he will not go to the wise.

New Heart English Bible
A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Webster's Bible Translation
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go to the wise.

World English Bible
A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A scorner does not love his reprover, "" He does not go to the wise.

Young's Literal Translation
A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.

Smith's Literal Translation
He mocking will not love him reproving him: to the wise he will not go.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A corrupt man loveth not one that reproveth him: nor will he go to the wise.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He who corrupts himself does not love the one who afflicts him, nor will he step toward the wise.

New American Bible
Scoffers do not love reproof; to the wise they will not go.

New Revised Standard Version
Scoffers do not like to be rebuked; they will not go to the wise.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
An evil man does not love one who reproves him, neither will he walk with the wise.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The evil one does not love him that rebukes him, and he does not walk with the wise.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A scorner loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
An uninstructed person will not love those that reprove him; neither will he associate with the wise.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men! 12A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise. 13A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.…

Cross References
Proverbs 9:7-8
He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 14:6
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 21:24
Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.

Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Proverbs 29:1
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 50:17
For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.

Psalm 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.

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.

Matthew 11:16-19
To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: / ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ / For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ ...

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Luke 7:31-35
“To what, then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? / They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ / For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

A scorner loves not one that reproves him: neither will he go to the wise.

scorner

Proverbs 15:10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

Proverbs 9:7,8
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot…

Amos 5:10
They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.

neither

2 Chronicles 18:7
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

Job 21:14
Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

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Proverbs 15
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath














A mocker does not love to be reproved
The term "mocker" refers to someone who ridicules or scorns others, often showing contempt for wisdom and instruction. In biblical context, mockers are frequently contrasted with the wise and the righteous. Proverbs 9:7-8 highlights the futility of correcting a mocker, as they will only hate you for it. This reflects a heart condition resistant to change and growth, a theme echoed throughout Proverbs. The aversion to reproof indicates a prideful spirit, unwilling to acknowledge faults or accept guidance. This attitude is contrary to the biblical call for humility and teachability, as seen in James 1:21, which encourages believers to receive the word with meekness.

nor will he consult the wise
The refusal to seek counsel from the wise underscores a rejection of godly wisdom and understanding. In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). The wise were those who lived in accordance with God's laws and principles, offering guidance rooted in divine truth. By not consulting the wise, the mocker isolates themselves from the community and the benefits of shared wisdom. This behavior is reminiscent of Rehoboam's folly in 1 Kings 12, where he rejected the counsel of the elders, leading to disastrous consequences. The wise, in biblical terms, often prefigure Christ, who is described as the embodiment of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). Rejecting the wise, therefore, can be seen as a rejection of Christ himself, who offers ultimate guidance and truth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mocker
In the context of Proverbs, a mocker is someone who ridicules or scorns wisdom and instruction. This person is often characterized by pride and a refusal to accept correction.

2. Wise
The wise are those who possess godly wisdom, often characterized by humility, a willingness to learn, and the ability to give sound advice based on God's truth.

3. Reproof
This refers to correction or criticism intended to improve someone's behavior or thinking. In biblical terms, reproof is often seen as a necessary part of spiritual growth and maturity.
Teaching Points
The Nature of a Mocker
A mocker is resistant to change and correction, often due to pride. This attitude prevents personal and spiritual growth.

The Value of Reproof
Reproof is a tool for growth. Embracing correction is a sign of wisdom and maturity. It is essential for aligning one's life with God's will.

Seeking Wise Counsel
Consulting the wise is a biblical principle that leads to better decision-making and spiritual growth. It requires humility and a teachable spirit.

The Role of Humility
Humility is crucial in accepting reproof and seeking wisdom. It allows individuals to recognize their need for guidance and correction.

The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom
Rejecting reproof and wise counsel leads to stagnation and potential downfall. It is important to cultivate a heart that is open to God's instruction.(12) A scorner.--See above on Proverbs 1:22.

Verse 12. - A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him (Proverbs 9:8; Amos 5:10). For "scorner" the Vulgate has pestilens, and the Septuagint ἀπαίδευτος, "undisciplined." "Scorners" are spoken of elsewhere, as Proverbs 1:22 (where see note); they are conceited, arrogant persons, free-thinkers, indifferent to or sceptical of religion, and too self-opinionated to be open to advice or reproof. Neither will he go unto the wise, who would correct and teach him (Proverbs 13:20). Septuagint, "He will not converse (ὁμιλήσει) with the wise." He does not believe the maxim -

Σοφοῦ παρ ἀνδρὸς χρὴ σοφόν τι μανθάνειν.

"From a wise man you must some wisdom learn." A Latin adage runs -

"Argue consultum, te diliget: argue stultum
Avertet vultum, nec te dimittet iuultum."


Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A mocker
לֵ֭ץ (lêṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

does not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

love
יֶאֱהַב־ (ye·’ĕ·haḇ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

to be reproved,
הוֹכֵ֣חַֽ (hō·w·ḵê·aḥ)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict

nor will he
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

consult
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the wise.
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved (Prov. Pro Pr)
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