Proverbs 9:8 Study Bible: Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

◄ Proverbs 9:8 ►

Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Do not rebuke a mocker
The term "mocker" in Hebrew is "לֵץ" (lets), which refers to someone who is scornful or derisive, often rejecting wisdom and instruction. In the ancient Near Eastern context, mockers were seen as those who not only rejected wisdom but actively opposed it, often leading others astray. The instruction here is to avoid engaging in futile arguments with such individuals, as their hearts are hardened against correction. This reflects a broader biblical principle of discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, recognizing that some hearts are not yet ready to receive wisdom.

or he will hate you
The reaction of hatred from the mocker is a predictable outcome when they are confronted with truth they are unwilling to accept. This phrase underscores the futility and potential backlash of attempting to correct someone who is not open to change. In a historical context, this reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on the importance of understanding human nature and the limits of influence. The Bible often contrasts the responses of the wise and the foolish, highlighting that the latter may respond with animosity when their folly is exposed.

Rebuke a wise man
The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which denotes someone who is skilled in living, possessing not just knowledge but the ability to apply it rightly. In the biblical tradition, wisdom is highly valued and is often associated with the fear of the Lord. The wise person is characterized by humility and a willingness to learn and grow. This phrase suggests that correction is not only appropriate but beneficial for those who are wise, as they are open to instruction and eager to improve.

and he will love you
The response of love from the wise man indicates a deep appreciation for truth and growth. This love is not merely emotional but is rooted in gratitude for the opportunity to become better. In the scriptural context, this reflects the biblical ideal of community and mutual edification, where individuals help one another grow in righteousness. The wise person's love for correction is a testament to their character and their commitment to living according to God's principles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mocker
A person who scorns or ridicules wisdom and instruction. In the context of Proverbs, a mocker is someone who is arrogant and dismissive of correction.

2. Wise Man ("chakam" in Hebrew)
An individual who values wisdom and is open to instruction and correction. The wise person is characterized by humility and a desire to grow in understanding.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His teachings often contrast the behaviors and outcomes of the wise and the foolish.

4. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings focus on practical and moral teachings.

5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom was highly valued and seen as a divine gift.

Teaching Points

The Nature of a Mocker
Mockers are resistant to correction and often respond with hostility. Engaging with them in attempts to correct may lead to conflict rather than growth.

The Heart of the Wise
A wise person welcomes correction and sees it as an opportunity for growth. This openness is rooted in humility and a desire to align more closely with God's wisdom.

The Role of Discernment
Believers must exercise discernment in choosing when and how to offer correction. Not every situation or person is receptive to rebuke, and wisdom is needed to navigate these interactions.

The Value of Loving Correction
When correction is given and received in love, it strengthens relationships and fosters spiritual growth. Wise individuals appreciate and love those who help them grow.

Cultivating a Teachable Spirit
Christians are encouraged to cultivate a teachable spirit, being open to learning from others and from God’s Word. This attitude is essential for spiritual maturity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you identify a mocker in your own life, and what steps can you take to wisely handle interactions with them?

2. Reflect on a time when you received correction. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

3. In what ways can you cultivate a more teachable spirit in your daily walk with God?

4. How does the concept of loving correction apply to your relationships within your family or church community?

5. Consider the balance between offering correction and knowing when to refrain. How can you apply this balance in your interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 13:1
This verse highlights the contrast between a wise son who heeds his father's instruction and a mocker who does not listen to rebuke, reinforcing the theme of receptiveness to correction.

Matthew 7:6
Jesus' teaching about not casting pearls before swine can be related to the idea of not wasting effort on those who will not appreciate or accept wisdom.

James 1:19-20
These verses encourage believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak, aligning with the attitude of a wise person who is open to correction.

Sermons

Godly Admonitions Received by the Wise	H. G. Salter.	Proverbs 9:7-9
Reproof	W. Arnot, D. D.	Proverbs 9:7-9
Reproof	David Thomas, D.D.	Proverbs 9:7-9
The Penalty and Promise of Instruction	W. Clarkson	Proverbs 9:7-9
The Scorner Left Alone	R. F. Horton, D.D.	Proverbs 9:7-9
Warnings Against Refusal	E. Johnson	Proverbs 9:7-9

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Clear, Dear, Hate, Lest, Love, Loveth, Mocker, Pride, Rebuke, Reproof, Reprove, Scoffer, Scorner, Sharp, Wise

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Proverbs 9:7-8

5926 rebuke

Library

The Temple of Wisdom
(Preached at Wellington College, All Saints' Day, 1866.) PROVERBS ix. 1-5. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and to him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. This allegory has been …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Dryness of Preachers, and the Various Evils which Arise from their Failing to Teach Heart-Prayer --Exhortation to Pastors to Lead People Towards this Form Of
If all those who are working for the conquest of souls sought to win them by the heart, leading them first of all to prayer and to the inner life, they would see many and lasting conversions. But so long as they only address themselves to the outside, and instead of drawing people to Christ by occupying their hearts with Him, they only give them a thousand precepts for outward observances, they will see but little fruit, and that will not be lasting. When once the heart is won, other defects are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

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 Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

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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