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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/9-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_09_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 9:8 - The Way of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/9-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/9-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm" title="Proverbs 9:7">◄</a> Proverbs 9:8 <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm" title="Proverbs 9:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise <i>man,</i> and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not rebuke a scoffer, or he will hate you; Rebuke a wise person and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you, Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he will hate you; Correct a wise man [who learns from his error], and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you. Warn a wise person, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Never correct conceited people; they will hate you for it. But if you correct the wise, they will respect you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't rebuke a mocker or he will hate you. Rebuke a wise person, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Reprove not a scorner, lest he shall hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not reprove a scorner, lest he hate you, "" Give reproof to the wise, and he loves you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not reprove him mocking, lest he shall hate thee: reprove to the wise one and he will love thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Rebuke not a scorner lest he hate thee. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not be willing to argue with a mocker, lest he hate you. Dispute with the wise, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not reprove the arrogant, lest they hate you; reprove the wise, and they will love you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Reprove not a bad man, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not rebuke an evil one, lest he hate you, but rebuke a wise one, for he will love you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Rebuke not evil <i>men</i>, lest they should hate thee: rebuke a wise <i>man</i>, and he will love thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/9-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1581" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm">The Way of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3198.htm" title="3198: tō·w·ḵaḥ (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To decide, adjudge, prove. A primitive root; to be right; reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict.">rebuke</a> <a href="/hebrew/3887.htm" title="3887: lêṣ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to make mouths at, i.e. To scoff; hence to interpret, or intercede.">a mocker,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: yiś·nā·’e·kā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 2mse) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">he will hate you;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3198.htm" title="3198: hō·w·ḵaḥ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To decide, adjudge, prove. A primitive root; to be right; reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict.">rebuke</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: lə·ḥā·ḵām (Prep-l:: Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">a wise man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: wə·ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇe·kā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3ms:: 2mse) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">and he will love you.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></span><br />Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-12.htm">Proverbs 15:12</a></span><br />A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9</a></span><br />Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Matthew 10:14</a></span><br />And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a></span><br />For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Proverbs 13:1</a></span><br />A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Proverbs 19:25</a></span><br />Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Proverbs 21:11</a></span><br />When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a></span><br />A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></span><br />A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Proverbs 12:1</a></span><br />Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you: rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.</p><p class="hdg">reprove</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Proverbs 23:9</a></b></br> Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></b></br> He, that being often reproved hardeneth <i>his</i> neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Numbers 14:6-10</a></b></br> And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, <i>which were</i> of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: … </p><p class="hdg">rebuke</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Proverbs 13:18</a></b></br> Poverty and shame <i>shall be to</i> him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Proverbs 28:23</a></b></br> He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Leviticus 19:17</a></b></br> Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Mocker</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-12.htm">Reproof</a> <a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Scoffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Scorner</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-33.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Mocker</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Reproof</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Scoffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Scorner</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">The discipline</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">and the doctrine of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">The custom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">and error of folly</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical context, a "mocker" is often associated with those who reject God's teachings and live in opposition to His ways. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently contrast the mocker with the righteous, emphasizing the mocker's resistance to correction (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>, <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Proverbs 21:24</a>). Historically, mockers were seen as those who not only rejected wisdom but also actively ridiculed it, creating a hostile environment for those who sought to live righteously. This reflects a broader cultural understanding in ancient Israel, where community and reputation were significant, and being labeled a mocker was a serious indictment. The phrase warns against engaging in fruitless efforts to correct such individuals, as their response is often one of animosity rather than repentance.<p><b>rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.</b><br>In contrast, this phrase underscores the value of wisdom and the positive reception of correction by those who are wise. A "wise man" in biblical terms is someone who fears the Lord and seeks to live according to His statutes (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The wise are open to instruction and view correction as an opportunity for growth, aligning with the biblical principle that wisdom is characterized by humility and a teachable spirit (<a href="/proverbs/12.htm">Proverbs 12:1</a>, <a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Proverbs 15:31-32</a>). This openness to rebuke is a mark of true wisdom and maturity, as it reflects a desire to align more closely with God's will. The love that results from such correction is indicative of a deep appreciation for truth and the one who imparts it, fostering a community where wisdom and understanding are cherished. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to speak the truth in love and to build one another up (<a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mocker.htm">Mocker</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man ("chakam" in Hebrew)</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>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.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom was highly valued and seen as a divine gift.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_a_mocker.htm">The Nature of a Mocker</a></b><br>Mockers are resistant to correction and often respond with hostility. Engaging with them in attempts to correct may lead to conflict rather than growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_the_wise.htm">The Heart of the Wise</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discernment.htm">The Role of Discernment</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_loving_correction.htm">The Value of Loving Correction</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_teachable_spirit.htm">Cultivating a Teachable Spirit</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_a_scorner's_traits_in_the_bible.htm">What defines a scorner's traits and behavior in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_narcissism.htm">What does the Bible say about narcissism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_handle_constructive_criticism.htm">How should we respond to constructive criticism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_sell_alcohol_or_tobacco.htm">Is it appropriate for Christians to sell alcohol or tobacco?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee</span> (see the last note, and comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-12.htm">Proverbs 15:12</a>, and note there). There are times when reproof only hardens and exasperates. "It is not proper," says St. Gregory, "for the good man to fear lest the scorner should utter abuse at him when he is chidden, but lest, being drawn into hatred, he should be made worse" ('Moral.,' 8:67). "Bad men sometimes we spare, and not ourselves, if from the love of those we cease from the rebuking of them. Whence it is needful that we sometimes endure keeping to ourselves what they are, in order that they may learn in us by our good living what they are not" (ibid., 20:47, Oxford transl.). <span class="cmt_word">Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.</span> So <a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5</a>, "Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head; let not my head refuse it" (comp. <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Proverbs 19:25</a>; <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Proverbs 25:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/9-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rebuke</span><br /><span class="heb">תּ֣וֹכַח</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·ḵaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3198.htm">Strong's 3198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a mocker</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֭ץ</span> <span class="translit">(lêṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3887.htm">Strong's 3887: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(pen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will hate you;</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂנָאֶ֑ךָּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·nā·’e·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rebuke</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹכַ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·ḵaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3198.htm">Strong's 3198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a wise man,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝חָכָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he will love you.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיֶאֱהָבֶֽךָּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇe·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:8 Don't reprove a scoffer lest he hate (Prov. 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