CINXE.COM

<!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 9:12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/9-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_09_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 9:12 - The Way of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences." /><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/9-12.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/9-12.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 12</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="/ad12.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/9-11.htm" title="Proverbs 9:11">◄</a> Proverbs 9:12 <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm" title="Proverbs 9:13">►</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 />If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but <i>if</i> thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And <i>if</i> you scoff, you will bear <i>it</i> alone.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will suffer <i>from it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself [for your own benefit]; If you scoff [thoughtlessly ridicule and disdain], you alone will pay the penalty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Good sense is good for you, but if you brag, you hurt yourself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself: and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you are wise, your wisdom will help you. If you mock, you alone will be held responsible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If you are wise, your wisdom will assist you. If you mock, you alone will be held responsible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you are a mocker, you alone must bear it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself, "" And you have scorned—you bear [it] alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned -- thyself bearest it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If thou wert wise, thou wert wise for thyself: and thou mockedst, thou alone shalt suffer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If thou be wise, thou shalt be so to thyself: and if a scorner, thou alone shalt bear the evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If you would be wise, you will be so for yourself. But if you would be one who ridicules, you alone shall carry the evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If you are wise, wisdom is to your advantage; if you are arrogant, you alone shall bear it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My son, if you are wise, you are wise for yourself and for your friends; but if you are evil-minded, you alone shall bear your evils;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My son, if you are wise, you are wise for yourself and for your friends, and if you will be evil, you alone will draw out your evils. The one who denies falsely, feeds on the winds and pursues a bird of the sky, for he has forsaken his service to travel in the desert without water, and from beside the path of his vineyard, and he forgets the trodden paths; he travels in thirst, and he will gather nothing!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Son, if thou be wise for thyself, thou shalt also be wise for thy neighbours; and if thou shouldest prove wicked, thou alone wilt bear the evil. He that stays himself upon falsehoods, attempts to rule the winds, and the same will pursue birds in their fight: for he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard, and he has caused the axles of his own husbandry to go astray; and he goes through a dry desert, and a <i>land</i> appointed to drought, and he gathers barrenness with his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/9-12.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=1611" 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">11</span>For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: ḥā·ḵam·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">you are wise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: ḥā·ḵam·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">you are wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">to your own advantage;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3887.htm" title="3887: wə·laṣ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to make mouths at, i.e. To scoff; hence to interpret, or intercede.">but if you scoff,</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·də·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Separation, a part. ">you alone</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ṯiś·śā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">will bear the consequences.</a> </span><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="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2-3</a></span><br />“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? / Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20</a></span><br />The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-7.htm">Romans 14:7-8</a></span><br />For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. / If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">1 Corinthians 3:8</a></span><br />He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18</a></span><br />Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-11.htm">Psalm 19:11</a></span><br />By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a></span><br />For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-25</a></span><br />Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. / Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">1 Peter 3:13-14</a></span><br />Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? / But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you be wise, you shall be wise for yourself: but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-26.htm">Proverbs 16:26</a></b></br> He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2,3,21</a></b></br> Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/35-6.htm">Job 35:6,7</a></b></br> If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or <i>if</i> thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/5-17.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/psalms/106-4.htm">Bearest</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-21.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-26.htm">Mock</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Mocker</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Scoff</a> <a href="/psalms/106-24.htm">Scorned</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Scornest</a> <a href="/psalms/121-3.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-4.htm">Bearest</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Mock</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Mocker</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-8.htm">Scoff</a> <a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Scorned</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-31.htm">Scornest</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Wise</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If you are wise,</b><br>Wisdom in the biblical context is more than just knowledge; it is the application of God's truth in daily life. The book of Proverbs often contrasts wisdom with folly, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). Wisdom is personified in <a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a>, where it is depicted as calling out to humanity, offering guidance and understanding. This phrase suggests that wisdom is a personal choice and responsibility.<p><b>you are wise to your own advantage;</b><br>The benefits of wisdom are personal and direct. In ancient Israel, wisdom was seen as a path to a prosperous and fulfilling life. The Hebrew culture valued wisdom as a means to live in harmony with God's creation and His laws. This phrase implies that the pursuit of wisdom leads to personal growth, protection, and blessings, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>, where wisdom is described as more precious than jewels and a source of long life and peace.<p><b>but if you scoff,</b><br>Scoffing is a form of mockery or derision, often directed at wisdom or divine instruction. In the biblical narrative, scoffers are those who reject God's truth and guidance, choosing instead to follow their own understanding. This attitude is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>, which warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked or sitting in the seat of scoffers. The cultural context of the time viewed scoffing as a serious offense against community values and divine order.<p><b>you alone will bear the consequences.</b><br>The consequences of rejecting wisdom are personal and inevitable. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, as outlined in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>, where individuals are warned that they will reap what they sow. In the historical context of Proverbs, this would have been understood as a natural outcome of one's choices, affecting not only the individual but potentially their family and community. The phrase underscores the personal responsibility each person has in choosing wisdom over folly, with eternal implications as seen in the broader biblical narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often contrast wisdom and folly.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_person.htm">The Wise Person</a></b><br>Represents those who seek and apply God's wisdom in their lives, leading to personal benefit and growth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_scoffer.htm">The Scoffer</a></b><br>Symbolizes those who reject wisdom and mock instruction, ultimately facing negative consequences.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>Personified throughout Proverbs as a guiding principle that leads to life and prosperity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/consequences.htm">Consequences</a></b><br>The outcomes or results of one's actions, particularly in the context of choosing wisdom or folly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_personal_benefit_of_wisdom.htm">The Personal Benefit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Embrace wisdom as it leads to personal growth and advantage. Seeking God's wisdom is not just for spiritual growth but also for practical, everyday living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_isolation_of_the_scoffer.htm">The Isolation of the Scoffer</a></b><br>Understand that scoffing and rejecting wisdom leads to isolation and personal detriment. The consequences of folly are borne alone, without the support of a community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_personal_responsibility.htm">The Principle of Personal Responsibility</a></b><br>Recognize that each individual is responsible for their choices. Wisdom leads to positive outcomes, while folly results in negative consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_invitation_to_choose_wisely.htm">The Invitation to Choose Wisely</a></b><br>Every day presents opportunities to choose wisdom over folly. Make conscious decisions that align with God's principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_wisdom.htm">The Role of Community in Wisdom</a></b><br>Engage with a community of believers who value wisdom. Fellowship with others who seek God's wisdom can provide support and encouragement.<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/who_is_your_biblical_adversary.htm">What does the Bible say about road rage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_pelagius.htm">What riddles are found in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_records_support_humility_over_wealth_in_israel.htm">Proverbs 12:9 implies it's better to be humble with modest means than to pretend wealth, yet do historical or archaeological records support such an ethos in ancient Israelite society?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt be wise for thyself--</span>i.e., to thine own benefit. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm" title="Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.">1Corinthians 3:8</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Thou alone shalt bear it--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>its penalty. (Comp. <a href="/galatians/6-5.htm" title="For every man shall bear his own burden.">Galatians 6:5</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise</span> <span class="cmt_word">for thyself.</span> A transition verse. Wisdom will bring thee good; as thou hast laboured well, so will be thy reward (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">1 Corinthians 3:8</a>). The LXX. (Syriac and Arabic), with the idea of perfecting the antithesis, adds, <span class="greek">καὶ τοῖς πλησίον</span>, "My son, if thou art wise for thyself, thou shalt be wise also for thy neighbours" - which contains the great truth that good gifts should not be selfishly enjoyed, but used and dispensed for the advantage of others (<a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Galatians 6:6</a>). In support of our text we may quote <a href="/job/22-2.htm">Job 22:2</a>, "Can a man be profitable unto God? Surely he that is wise is profitable unto himself." <span class="cmt_word">But if thou scornest, thou alone shalt hear it;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> atone for it, bear the sin, as it is expressed in <a href="/numbers/9-13.htm">Numbers 9:13</a>, "Forevery man shall bear his own burden" (<a href="/galatians/6-5.htm">Galatians 6:5</a>). Thus Wisdom ends her exhortation. Septuagint, "If thou turn out evil, thou alone shalt bear (<span class="greek">ἀντλήσεις</span>) evils." And then is added the following paragraph, which may possibly be derived from a Hebrew original, but seems more like a congeries made up from other passages, and foisted by some means into the Greek text: "He that stayeth himself on lies shepherdeth winds, and himself pursueth flying birds; for he hath left the ways of his own vineyard, and hath gone astray with the wheels of his own husbandry; and he goeth through a waterless desert, and over a land set in thirsty places, and with his hands he gathereth unfruitfulness." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/9-12.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">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are wise,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֭כַמְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵam·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכַ֣מְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵam·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to your own advantage;</span><br /><span class="heb">לָּ֑ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">but if you scoff,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝לַ֗צְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·laṣ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person 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">you alone</span><br /><span class="heb">לְֽבַדְּךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇad·də·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will bear [the consequences].</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשָּֽׂא׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/9-12.htm">Proverbs 9:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise you are wise (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/9-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 9:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 9:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 9:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>