KJV King James Version
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
VERSE STUDY • KJV
Proverbs 9:7
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
Read it in 5 translations
BSB Berean Standard Bible
He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.
WEB World English Bible
He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
ASV American Standard Version
He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
YLT Young’s Literal Translation
The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it—shame, And a reprover of the wicked—his blemish.
Surrounding context — Proverbs 9
4 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.
Topics connected to this verse
Original-language word links
These Hebrew/Greek tokens are linked by Strong's number. Click one for its lexicon definition and other occurrences.
Cross-references
Proverbs 15:12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.Proverbs 23:9Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.2 Chronicles 36:16But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.2 Chronicles 24:20-22And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.2 Chronicles 25:15-16Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?1 Kings 22:27And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.1 Kings 21:20And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.1 Kings 22:24But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?1 Kings 18:17And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?Genesis 19:8-9Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION
Compare classic commentaries on Proverbs 9:7
Put Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, Calvin, Wesley, Barnes, Jamieson–Fausset–Brown, Aquinas’ Catena and other public-domain sources beside the passage.
Compare commentaries →