◄ Proverbs 9:9 ►
Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.
Study Bible
Instruct a wise man
The Hebrew word for "instruct" is "יַסֵּר" (yasser), which implies discipline or correction. In the context of wisdom literature, this instruction is not merely academic but involves moral and spiritual guidance. The "wise man" here is someone who already possesses wisdom, which in the Hebrew context is not just intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding of God's ways and a life lived in accordance with His will. The wise are open to correction and eager to grow, reflecting a humility that is central to biblical wisdom.

and he will be wiser still
The promise here is that wisdom is not static; it is dynamic and ever-growing. The Hebrew root for "wiser" is "חָכַם" (chakam), which suggests skill and expertise. This growth in wisdom is a continuous process, indicating that no matter how wise one becomes, there is always more to learn and understand. This aligns with the biblical principle that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), suggesting that a relationship with God is foundational to true wisdom.

teach a righteous man
The term "teach" comes from the Hebrew "לַמֵּד" (lamed), which means to instruct or train. The "righteous man" is one who lives in right standing with God, adhering to His commandments and living a life of integrity. In the biblical context, righteousness is not just about moral behavior but is deeply connected to one's relationship with God. Teaching a righteous man implies that he is receptive to learning and growing in his understanding of God's truth.

and he will increase his learning
The phrase "increase his learning" suggests an expansion of knowledge and understanding. The Hebrew word for "learning" is "לֶקַח" (leqach), which can also mean insight or doctrine. This increase is not just intellectual but involves a deeper comprehension of spiritual truths. The righteous man's openness to teaching results in a greater capacity to grasp and apply God's wisdom in his life. This reflects the biblical theme that those who seek God with a sincere heart will be rewarded with greater understanding and insight.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Wise Man
Represents individuals who possess wisdom and are open to further instruction. In the Hebrew context, "wise" (chakam) implies skillful living and moral insight.

2. Righteous Man
Refers to those who live in accordance with God's standards. The Hebrew word for "righteous" (tsaddiq) denotes someone who is just and ethical.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.

4. Proverbs
A book in the Old Testament consisting of sayings and teachings that provide practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God.

5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and righteousness in daily life.
Teaching Points
The Value of Continuous Learning
Wisdom is not a static trait but a dynamic process. Even the wise can grow wiser, and the righteous can deepen their understanding.

Openness to Instruction
A hallmark of wisdom is the willingness to receive instruction. This humility leads to growth and maturity in faith.

Righteousness and Learning
Righteousness involves a commitment to learning and applying God's truth. It is an active pursuit of aligning one's life with God's will.

The Role of Community
Instruction often comes through community—teachers, mentors, and fellow believers. Engaging with others in the faith community can enhance our wisdom and righteousness.

God as the Source of Wisdom
Ultimately, wisdom and righteousness come from God. Seeking His guidance through prayer and Scripture is essential for growth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Proverbs 9:9 challenge your current approach to learning and wisdom? What steps can you take to become more open to instruction?

2. In what ways can you actively pursue righteousness in your daily life, and how does this pursuit relate to increasing your learning?

3. Reflect on a time when you received instruction that led to personal growth. How can you apply this experience to your spiritual journey?

4. How can you contribute to the growth of wisdom and righteousness within your faith community?

5. Consider the role of prayer and Scripture in seeking wisdom. How can you incorporate these practices more intentionally into your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:5
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening and increasing in learning, similar to Proverbs 9:9, highlighting the value of wisdom and instruction.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, aligning with the idea of increasing in wisdom.

Matthew 5:6
Jesus speaks about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising that they will be filled, which connects to the righteous man's desire to increase in learning.
Sermons
The Wise are Willing to Learn from Any OneProverbs 9:9
The Wise Man Rendered Wiser by InstructionSketches of Four Hundred SermonsProverbs 9:9
Godly Admonitions Received by the WiseH. G. Salter.Proverbs 9:7-9
ReproofW. Arnot, D. D.Proverbs 9:7-9
ReproofDavid Thomas, D.D.Proverbs 9:7-9
The Penalty and Promise of InstructionW. Clarkson Proverbs 9:7-9
The Scorner Left AloneR. F. Horton, D.D.Proverbs 9:7-9
Warnings Against RefusalE. Johnson Proverbs 9:7-9
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Add, Impart, Increase, Increased, Increaseth, Instruct, Instruction, Learning, Righteous, Teach, Teaching, Training, Upright, Wise, Wiser, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 9:9

     8131   guidance, results
     8367   wisdom, importance of

Proverbs 9:9-10

     8227   discernment, nature of

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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