Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. New Living Translation If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. English Standard Version If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. Berean Standard Bible If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. Berean Literal Bible If you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself, and if you have scoffed, you will bear it for yourself alone. King James Bible If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. New King James Version If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.” New American Standard Bible If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will suffer from it. NASB 1995 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. NASB 1977 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. Legacy Standard Bible If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. Amplified Bible If you are wise, you are wise for yourself [for your own benefit]; If you scoff [thoughtlessly ridicule and disdain], you alone will pay the penalty. Berean Annotated Bible If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. Christian Standard Bible If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.” Holman Christian Standard Bible If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.” American Standard Version If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it. Contemporary English Version Good sense is good for you, but if you brag, you hurt yourself. English Revised Version If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself: and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. GOD'S WORD® Translation If you are wise, your wisdom will help you. If you mock, you alone will be held responsible. Good News Translation You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer. International Standard Version If you are wise, your wisdom will assist you. If you mock, you alone will be held responsible. NET Bible If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you are a mocker, you alone must bear it. New Heart English Bible If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. Webster's Bible Translation If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. World English Bible If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself, "" And you have scorned—you bear [it] alone. Berean Literal Bible If you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself, and if you have scoffed, you will bear it for yourself alone. Young's Literal Translation If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned -- thyself bearest it. Smith's Literal Translation If thou wert wise, thou wert wise for thyself: and thou mockedst, thou alone shalt suffer. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf thou be wise, thou shalt be so to thyself: and if a scorner, thou alone shalt bear the evil. Catholic Public Domain Version If you would be wise, you will be so for yourself. But if you would be one who ridicules, you alone shall carry the evil. New American Bible If you are wise, wisdom is to your advantage; if you are arrogant, you alone shall bear it. New Revised Standard Version If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMy son, if you are wise, you are wise for yourself and for your friends; but if you are evil-minded, you alone shall bear your evils; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated My son, if you are wise, you are wise for yourself and for your friends, and if you will be evil, you alone will draw out your evils. The one who denies falsely, feeds on the winds and pursues a bird of the sky, for he has forsaken his service to travel in the desert without water, and from beside the path of his vineyard, and he forgets the trodden paths; he travels in thirst, and he will gather nothing! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Son, if thou be wise for thyself, thou shalt also be wise for thy neighbours; and if thou shouldest prove wicked, thou alone wilt bear the evil. He that stays himself upon falsehoods, attempts to rule the winds, and the same will pursue birds in their fight: for he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard, and he has caused the axles of his own husbandry to go astray; and he goes through a dry desert, and a land appointed to drought, and he gathers barrenness with his hands. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Way of Wisdom…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. Cross References If you are wise, James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! you are wise to your own advantage; Proverbs 19:8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. Proverbs 8:35-36 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. / But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. but if you scoff, Proverbs 1:22-23 “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? / If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. you alone will bear the consequences. 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. Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 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? Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. / If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Treasury of Scripture If you be wise, you shall be wise for yourself: but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it. Proverbs 16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. Job 22:2,3,21 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? … Job 35:6,7 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? … Jump to Previous Alone Bear Bearest Full Heart Mock Mocker Pain Pride Reward Scoff Scorned Scornest Suffer Thyself Wisdom WiseJump to Next Alone Bear Bearest Full Heart Mock Mocker Pain Pride Reward Scoff Scorned Scornest Suffer Thyself Wisdom WiseProverbs 9 1. The discipline4. and the doctrine of wisdom 13. The custom 16. and error of folly If you are wise, Wisdom in the biblical context is more than just knowledge; it is the application of God's truth in daily life. The book of Proverbs often contrasts wisdom with folly, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8, where it is depicted as calling out to humanity, offering guidance and understanding. This phrase suggests that wisdom is a personal choice and responsibility. you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often contrast wisdom and folly. 2. The Wise Person Represents those who seek and apply God's wisdom in their lives, leading to personal benefit and growth. 3. The Scoffer Symbolizes those who reject wisdom and mock instruction, ultimately facing negative consequences. 4. Wisdom Personified throughout Proverbs as a guiding principle that leads to life and prosperity. 5. Consequences The outcomes or results of one's actions, particularly in the context of choosing wisdom or folly. Teaching Points The Personal Benefit of WisdomEmbrace wisdom as it leads to personal growth and advantage. Seeking God's wisdom is not just for spiritual growth but also for practical, everyday living. The Isolation of the Scoffer Understand that scoffing and rejecting wisdom leads to isolation and personal detriment. The consequences of folly are borne alone, without the support of a community. The Principle of Personal Responsibility Recognize that each individual is responsible for their choices. Wisdom leads to positive outcomes, while folly results in negative consequences. The Invitation to Choose Wisely Every day presents opportunities to choose wisdom over folly. Make conscious decisions that align with God's principles. The Role of Community in Wisdom Engage with a community of believers who value wisdom. Fellowship with others who seek God's wisdom can provide support and encouragement. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 9:12?2. How does Proverbs 9:12 emphasize personal responsibility in seeking wisdom? 3. What are the consequences of scoffing, according to Proverbs 9:12? 4. How can Proverbs 9:12 guide us in making wise daily decisions? 5. Which New Testament teachings align with the message of Proverbs 9:12? 6. How can you apply the wisdom of Proverbs 9:12 in your community? 7. What does Proverbs 9:12 mean by "If you are wise, you are wise for yourself"? 8. How does Proverbs 9:12 relate to personal responsibility in a Christian's life? 9. Why does Proverbs 9:12 emphasize individual wisdom rather than communal wisdom? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9? 11. What does the Bible say about road rage? 12. What riddles are found in the Bible? 13. Proverbs 12:9 implies it's better to be humble with modest means than to pretend wealth, yet do historical or archaeological records support such an ethos in ancient Israelite society? 14. What does the Bible teach about controlling speech? What Does Proverbs 9:12 Mean If you are wise“If you are wise…” (Proverbs 9:12) plants the whole verse in personal responsibility. Wisdom is not abstract; it is a choice each individual makes. • Proverbs 1:7 affirms that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” so true wisdom starts with reverence for God. • James 1:5 promises that God “gives generously to all without finding fault” when we ask for wisdom—making it accessible to anyone who seeks. • Deuteronomy 30:19 shows God laying life-and-death choices before Israel; wisdom aligns with choosing life and blessing. Wisdom, then, is an intentional turning toward God’s revealed truth, not a passive trait granted to a select few. you are wise for your own benefit The continues, “you are wise for your own benefit.” Godly wisdom always blesses the person who embraces it. • Proverbs 3:13-18 describes wisdom as “more precious than rubies,” promising long life, peace, and favor. • Psalm 1:1-3 portrays the righteous as a tree planted by streams of water, prospering in every season. • 1 Timothy 4:8 notes that godliness “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Choosing wisdom is never wasted effort. The rewards include earthly stability, relational harmony, and eternal gain. but if you mock The contrast sharpens: “but if you mock…” Mocking (or scoffing) is active rejection of God’s wisdom. • Proverbs 14:6 says “A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,” revealing a self-imposed blindness. • 2 Chronicles 36:16 records Israel’s downfall because they “mocked the messengers of God.” • Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” Mockery exposes a heart that resists correction and despises truth—placing the scoffer outside God’s protective counsel. you alone will bear the consequences “…you alone will bear the consequences.” The Bible stresses personal accountability. • Ezekiel 18:20 declares, “The soul who sins shall die,” underscoring individual responsibility. • Proverbs 1:31 describes fools eating “the fruit of their own way.” • Romans 2:6 assures that God “will repay each person according to his deeds.” No one else can absorb the fallout of another’s rebellion. Mockers inherit the full weight of their choices—spiritually, emotionally, and often physically. summary Proverbs 9:12 reminds us that wisdom and mockery are deeply personal paths. Embrace wisdom and you reap rich benefits now and forever. Reject it through scoffing and you face the solitary consequences of that choice. God graciously offers wisdom to all; the outcome rests on how each heart responds. (12) Thou shalt be wise for thyself--i.e., to thine own benefit. (Comp. 1Corinthians 3:8.)Thou alone shalt bear it--i.e., its penalty. (Comp. Galatians 6:5.) Verse 12. - If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself. A transition verse. Wisdom will bring thee good; as thou hast laboured well, so will be thy reward (1 Corinthians 3:8). The LXX. (Syriac and Arabic), with the idea of perfecting the antithesis, adds, καὶ τοῖς πλησίον, "My son, if thou art wise for thyself, thou shalt be wise also for thy neighbours" - which contains the great truth that good gifts should not be selfishly enjoyed, but used and dispensed for the advantage of others (Galatians 6:6). In support of our text we may quote Job 22:2, "Can a man be profitable unto God? Surely he that is wise is profitable unto himself." But if thou scornest, thou alone shalt hear it; i.e. atone for it, bear the sin, as it is expressed in Numbers 9:13, "Forevery man shall bear his own burden" (Galatians 6:5). Thus Wisdom ends her exhortation. Septuagint, "If thou turn out evil, thou alone shalt bear (ἀντλήσεις) evils." And then is added the following paragraph, which may possibly be derived from a Hebrew original, but seems more like a congeries made up from other passages, and foisted by some means into the Greek text: "He that stayeth himself on lies shepherdeth winds, and himself pursueth flying birds; for he hath left the ways of his own vineyard, and hath gone astray with the wheels of his own husbandry; and he goeth through a waterless desert, and over a land set in thirsty places, and with his hands he gathereth unfruitfulness."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you are wise, חָ֭כַמְתָּ (ḥā·ḵam·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2449: To be wise you are wise חָכַ֣מְתָּ (ḥā·ḵam·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 2449: To be wise to your own advantage; לָּ֑ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew but if you scoff, וְ֝לַ֗צְתָּ (wə·laṣ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker you alone לְֽבַדְּךָ֥ (lə·ḇad·də·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of will bear [the consequences]. תִשָּֽׂא׃ (ṯiś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take Links Proverbs 9:12 NIVProverbs 9:12 NLT Proverbs 9:12 ESV Proverbs 9:12 NASB Proverbs 9:12 KJV Proverbs 9:12 BibleApps.com Proverbs 9:12 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 9:12 Chinese Bible Proverbs 9:12 French Bible Proverbs 9:12 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise you are wise (Prov. 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