King James Version

What Does Proverbs 9:7 Mean?

Proverbs 9:7 in the King James Version says “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

Proverbs 9:7 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whoever corrects a mocker gets shame; whoever rebukes wicked gets insult. The Hebrew 'yasar' (correct/discipline) and 'yakach' (rebuke/reprove) describe instructive confrontation. But mockers and wicked don't receive correction gratefully - they return shame and insult. This verse warns: some people aren't ready for wisdom. Attempting to instruct those committed to folly brings harm to instructor without benefit to fool.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus taught: 'Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you' (Matthew 7:6). Some people's hardness makes them unable to receive truth. Proverbs 26:4 warns: 'Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.' Wisdom includes discerning when correction is productive versus counterproductive.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern when correction will help versus when it will provoke hostile response?
  2. Have you experienced receiving 'shame' or 'insult' for attempting to correct someone unwilling to receive it?
  3. What wisdom is needed for knowing when to speak truth and when to remain silent?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יֹ֤סֵ֨ר׀1 of 8

He that reproveth

H3256

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

לֵ֗ץ2 of 8

a scorner

H3887

properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede

לֹקֵ֣חַֽ3 of 8

getteth

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

ל֣וֹ4 of 8
H0
קָל֑וֹן5 of 8

to himself shame

H7036

disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda

וּמוֹכִ֖יחַ6 of 8

and he that rebuketh

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

לְרָשָׁ֣ע7 of 8

a wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

מוּמֽוֹ׃8 of 8

man getteth himself a blot

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 9:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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