Proverbs 9:9
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)
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It's easy to read this as simply saying smart people get smarter. But notice the Hebrew literally says "give to the wise, and he will be wise." This implies that the wise person actively receives and uses whatever is given, whether it's instruction, correction, or even just an opportunity, turning it all into further wisdom.
This verse comes right after Wisdom herself throws a great banquet, inviting everyone to her house to feast on her teachings. The surrounding verses highlight the contrast between Wisdom's generous invitation and the seductive call of Folly, who also beckons passersby to her own house for destructive pleasures. Here, Solomon emphasizes that those who are already wise or righteous are the ones most receptive to further instruction and will indeed grow from it, unlike the simple who are easily swayed.
Ever felt like learning something new just made you want to learn more? That's not an accident, it's a sign of a receptive heart.
Proverbs 9:9 tells us something powerful about the nature of true wisdom: it's self-perpetuating.
The Wise Never Stop Learning
When you offer instruction or correction to someone who is already wise, they don't get defensive or dismissive. Instead, they become even wiser. Think of it like a fertile field – any seed planted there is likely to grow. A wise person's mind is like that field, ready to receive and cultivate new understanding.
Righteousness Fuels Growth
Similarly, when a righteous person is taught, they don't just absorb the lesson; they increase in learning. This isn't just about gathering facts. Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is about alignment with God's will. When you're living in that alignment, you're naturally more open to God's further instruction and truth. It's a continuous upward spiral of growth.
Some people hear instruction and see an insult. Others hear it and see an opportunity.
The difference lies in humility. Proverbs 9:9 implicitly contrasts the wise and righteous with the 'fool' mentioned in earlier verses (like Proverbs 1:7). Fools despise instruction, but the wise and righteous actively seek it out and grow from it.
Reaping Profit from All Input
Commentators note that the Hebrew word for 'give' in 'give instruction' can also simply mean 'give.' This suggests that wise people are like bees, extracting honey from every flower – they find value in whatever is given, whether it's a lesson, a correction, or even a challenge. They don't need the instruction to be perfectly packaged or delivered; they focus on the potential for growth.
Wisdom is Moral, Not Just Mental
Understand the original words
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.
This passage echoes the principle that those who are receptive to wisdom will receive more, contrasting with those who are not.
James 1:5It highlights that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously, connecting the pursuit of wisdom to divine source and openness.
Proverbs 1:5This verse directly states that a wise person will listen and increase in learning, reinforcing the core idea of Proverbs 9:9.
1 Corinthians 2:14It describes the 'natural person' unable to accept spiritual truths, emphasizing that true wisdom and learning require a receptive heart and mind, as Proverbs 9:9 implies.
Proverbs 18:15This verse states that the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it, showing the active pursuit characteristic of those who will increase in learning.
clarkeProverbs 9:9: "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
Give instruction to a wise man - Literally give to the wise, and he will be wise. Whatever you give to such, they reap profit from it. They are like the bee, they extract honey from every flower.
pooleProverbs 9:9: "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
Give instruction: in the Hebrew it is only give ; for as receiving is put for learning, Proverbs 1:3 , so giving is put for teaching , both in Scripture and in other authors; of which see my Latin Synopsis. A just man; called a wise man in the former branch, to intimate that good men are the only wise men.
It's easy to read this as simply saying smart people get smarter. But notice the Hebrew literally says "give to the wise, and he will be wise." This implies that the wise person actively receives and uses whatever is given, whether it's instruction, correction, or even just an opportunity, turning it all into further wisdom.
This verse comes right after Wisdom herself throws a great banquet, inviting everyone to her house to feast on her teachings. The surrounding verses highlight the contrast between Wisdom's generous invitation and the seductive call of Folly, who also beckons passersby to her own house for destructive pleasures. Here, Solomon emphasizes that those who are already wise or righteous are the ones most receptive to further instruction and will indeed grow from it, unlike the simple who are easily swayed.
This verse comes right after Wisdom herself throws a great banquet, inviting everyone to her house to feast on her teachings. The surrounding verses highlight the contrast between Wisdom's generous invitation and the seductive call of Folly, who also beckons passersby to her own house for destructive pleasures. Here, Solomon emphasizes that those who are already wise or righteous are the ones most receptive to further instruction and will indeed grow from it, unlike the simple who are easily swayed.
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Furthermore, wisdom and righteousness are deeply intertwined. The text can even interchange 'wise' and 'just' because true biblical wisdom isn't just about intellect; it's about character and living rightly. A humble, righteous heart is naturally inclined to learn and grow in God's ways.
"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." — It's easy to read this as simply saying smart people get smarter. But notice the Hebrew literally says "give to the wise, and he will be wise." This implies that the wise person actively receives a…
