◄ Proverbs 15:12 ►
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
Study Bible
A mocker
The term "mocker" in Hebrew is "לֵץ" (lets), which refers to someone who is scornful or derisive. In the biblical context, a mocker is not just someone who makes fun of others but is someone who actively rejects wisdom and instruction. This person is characterized by pride and arrogance, often setting themselves against God and His teachings. Historically, mockers were seen as those who disrupted the peace and order of society by their refusal to adhere to moral and ethical standards. In a spiritual sense, mockers are those who resist the transformative power of God's wisdom, choosing instead to follow their own flawed understanding.

does not love
The phrase "does not love" indicates a deliberate choice or disposition of the heart. In Hebrew, the word for love is "אָהַב" (ahav), which encompasses a range of meanings from affection to loyalty. Here, it suggests a willful rejection or lack of affection for something that should be cherished. In the context of Proverbs, this lack of love is directed towards wisdom and correction, highlighting a deep-seated aversion to being guided or improved by others. This reflects a heart condition that is closed off to growth and change, preferring the comfort of ignorance over the challenge of enlightenment.

to be rebuked
The concept of rebuke in Hebrew is "תּוֹכַחַת" (tokhachath), which means correction or reproof. Rebuke is an essential part of wisdom literature, serving as a tool for growth and improvement. It is not merely criticism but is intended to guide and correct behavior. In the biblical context, rebuke is seen as an act of love, as it aims to steer individuals back onto the path of righteousness. The mocker's aversion to rebuke reveals a resistance to accountability and a refusal to acknowledge personal faults or errors. This resistance is a barrier to spiritual maturity and personal development.

he will not consult
The phrase "he will not consult" suggests an intentional avoidance of seeking guidance or advice. In Hebrew, the idea of consulting is tied to seeking counsel or wisdom from others, particularly those who are wise or experienced. This refusal to consult indicates a self-reliant attitude, where the mocker believes they have no need for external input or correction. In the broader biblical narrative, seeking counsel is often associated with humility and the recognition of one's limitations. By refusing to consult, the mocker isolates themselves from the community and the collective wisdom it offers, ultimately leading to their downfall.

the wise
The term "the wise" in Hebrew is "חֲכָמִים" (chachamim), referring to those who possess wisdom, understanding, and insight. In the book of Proverbs, the wise are often contrasted with fools and mockers, representing those who live in accordance with God's principles and who value instruction and learning. The wise are characterized by their fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). They are open to correction and eager to grow in knowledge and understanding. The mocker's refusal to consult the wise underscores their rejection of the very source of true wisdom and guidance, which is ultimately found in a relationship with God.

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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the attitude of a mocker, as described in Proverbs 15:12, hinder their spiritual growth and relationship with God?

2. Reflect on a time when you received reproof. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can this experience inform your future reactions to correction?

3. In what ways can you actively seek out wise counsel in your life? Consider practical steps you can take to surround yourself with godly wisdom.

4. How does humility play a role in accepting reproof and seeking wisdom? What are some practical ways to cultivate humility in your daily life?

5. Compare the consequences of rejecting reproof with the benefits of accepting it, as seen in other scriptures like Proverbs 9:7-8 and Hebrews 12:11. How can these insights motivate you to embrace correction?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 9:7-8
These verses discuss the futility of correcting a mocker, as they will only hate you for it, whereas a wise person will appreciate and love you for the correction.

Proverbs 13:1
This verse contrasts a wise son who heeds his father's instruction with a mocker who does not listen to rebuke, highlighting the importance of being open to correction.

Hebrews 12:11
This passage speaks to the value of discipline and correction, noting that while it may be unpleasant at the time, it ultimately produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.
Sermons
The ScornerD. Thomas, D.D.Proverbs 15:12
Sullen Folly and Cheerful WisdomE. Johnson Proverbs 15:12-15
People
Abaddon, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Authority, Consult, Correction, Doesn't, Hater, Love, Loveth, Reproved, Reprover, Reproves, Reproveth, Resents, Scoffer, Scorner, Teaching, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 15:12

     5779   advice
     5780   advisers
     5928   resentment, against God
     8367   wisdom, importance of
     8782   mockery

Library
God, the All-Seeing One
A sermon (No. 177) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 14, 1858 At The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens by C. H. Spurgeon. "Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?" -- Proverbs 15:11. You have often smiled at the ignorance of heathens who bow themselves before gods of wood and stone. You have quoted the words of Scripture and you have said, "Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not." You have therefore argued that …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
A sermon (No. 1948) delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain."--Proverbs 15:19. You must have noticed how frequently godly people almost wear out their Bibles in certain places. The Psalms, the Gospel of John, and parts of the Epistles are favourite portions, and are thumbed in many an old believer's Bible till the fact is very noticeable. There are certain sheep-tracks …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

God, the All-Seeing One
We have in our text, first of all, a great fact declared,--"Hell and destruction are before the Lord ;" we have, secondly, a great fact inferred,--"How much more then the hearts of the children of men?" I. We will begin with THE GREAT FACT WHICH IS DECLARED--a fact which furnishes us with premises from which we deduce the practical conclusion of the second sentence--"How much more then the hearts of the children of men?" The best interpretation that you can give of those two words, "hell" and "destruction," …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
To Rechared, King of the Visigoths [82] . Gregory to Rechared, &c. I cannot express in words, most excellent son, how much I am delighted with thy work and thy life. For on hearing of the power of a new miracle in our days, to wit that the whole nation of the Goths has through thy Excellency been brought over from the error of Arian heresy to the firmness of a right faith, one is disposed to exclaim with the prophet, This is the change wrought by the right hand of the Most High (Ps. lxxvi. 11 [83] …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Contention Over the Man Born Blind.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John IX. 1-41. [Some look upon the events in this and the next section as occurring at the Feast of Tabernacles in October, others think they occurred at the Feast of Dedication in December, deriving their point of time from John x. 22.] ^d 1 And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. [The man probably sought to waken compassion by repeatedly stating this fact to passers-by.] 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. We come now, as was proposed, to observe, Thirdly,(474) That faith unfeigned is the only thing which gives the answer of a good conscience towards God. Conscience, in general, is nothing else but a practical knowledge of the rule a man should walk by, and of himself in reference to that rule. It is the laying down a man's state, and condition, and actions beside the rule of God's word, or the principles of nature's light. It is the chief piece …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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