Proverbs 9:7-9
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The verse isn't just saying confrontation is hard; it's pointing out that with a scorner, the consequence is shame, while with a wicked person, it's a more personal "blot" or stain on your character. This suggests two different kinds of damage: one is public ridicule, the other is being personally tarnished by the wicked person's retaliation.
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Wisdom has prepared a feast, but this verse explains why she's not inviting the hardened scoffer or the willfully wicked. Attempting to correct such individuals often backfires, resulting in insult and disgrace for the one offering the correction, rather than any positive change in the recipient. This passage serves as a cautionary note for both Wisdom's messengers and those seeking to learn, highlighting the futility and potential harm of confronting those who are determined to reject truth.
Ever tried to reason with someone who just won't budge, only to feel worse afterward? Wisdom here explains why some efforts to correct are bound to backfire.
Proverbs 9:7 highlights a stark reality: not everyone is open to correction. Wisdom wisely confines her invitations to the 'simple' and 'foolish' – those who still have a teachable spirit.
Why Wisdom Holds Back
The verse uses strong words: 'abuse,' 'injury,' 'shame,' and 'blot.' What do these really mean in the context of trying to offer wisdom?
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Proverbs 9:7 describes the negative outcomes of trying to correct those who are determined to reject truth. The words 'shame' and 'blot' paint a vivid picture of the consequences:
The Weight of Rejection
Understand the original words
letz · Hebrew Noun
A cynical or arrogant person who mocks truth, rejects correction, and resists the fear of God; the epitome of folly in the wisdom literature.
yakach · Hebrew Verb
To expose someone's error or sin with the intent of leading them to repentance or correction; a key task of wisdom.
rasha · Hebrew Noun
One who is morally deficient, contrary to the standard of God's law; characterized by rebellion and a lack of conformity to God's ways.
chakam · Hebrew Noun
A person who understands God's moral order and lives in accordance with it; one who is teachable and responsive to God's instruction.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Noun
One who conforms to God’s standards of justice and morality; one who is in a right relationship with God and his neighbor.
Jesus directly echoes this sentiment, warning not to give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before pigs, implying that reproving hardened mockers is a futile and potentially harmful endeavor.
Proverbs 14:7This verse highlights the stark contrast between the company of the wise and the foolish, suggesting that engaging with scorners (the foolish in this context) is unproductive and even dangerous.
Luke 10:10-11When Jesus sent out his disciples, he instructed them to shake the dust off their feet if a town refused to welcome them, signifying that sometimes the wisest course is to withdraw from those who will not receive a message of peace.
2 Timothy 2:23Paul advises Timothy to avoid foolish controversies and arguments, instead focusing on gentleness and patience, aligning with the idea that engaging with stubborn mockers is often a waste of energy and can lead to negative outcomes.
Jude 1:22-23This passage describes a delicate balance in dealing with those who are wavering or ensnared by sin, suggesting discernment is needed, and that some may need to be snatched from the fire, while others are approached with caution and fear of contamination.
pulpitProverbs 9:7: "He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."
Verses 7-10. - These verses form a parenthesis, showing why Wisdom addresses only the simple and foolish. She giveth not that which is holy unto dogs, nor casteth pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). Verse 7. - He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame. He who tries to correct a scorner (see on Proverbs 1:22 and Proverbs 3:34), one who derides religion, loses…
clarkeProverbs 9:7: "He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."
He that reproveth a scorner - לץ lets, the person who mocks at sacred things; the libertine, the infidel; who turns the most serious things into ridicule, and, by his wit, often succeeds in rendering the person who reproves him ridiculous. Wisdom seems here to intimate that it is vain to attempt by reproof to amend such: and yet we must not suffer sin upon our neighbo…
The verse isn't just saying confrontation is hard; it's pointing out that with a scorner, the consequence is shame, while with a wicked person, it's a more personal "blot" or stain on your character. This suggests two different kinds of damage: one is public ridicule, the other is being personally tarnished by the wicked person's retaliation.
Wisdom has prepared a feast, but this verse explains why she's not inviting the hardened scoffer or the willfully wicked. Attempting to correct such individuals often backfires, resulting in insult and disgrace for the one offering the correction, rather than any positive change in the recipient. This passage serves as a cautionary note for both Wisdom's messengers and those seeking to learn, highlighting the futility and potential harm of confronting those who are determined to reject truth.
Wisdom has prepared a feast, but this verse explains why she's not inviting the hardened scoffer or the willfully wicked. Attempting to correct such individuals often backfires, resulting in insult and disgrace for the one offering the correction, rather than any positive change in the recipient. This passage serves as a cautionary note for both Wisdom's messengers and those seeking to learn, highlighting the futility and potential harm of confronting those who are determined to reject truth.
"Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he…" — The verse isn't just saying confrontation is hard; it's pointing out that with a scorner, the consequence is shame, while with a wicked person, it's a more personal "blot" or stain on your character.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
