Add parallel Print Page Options


He who corrects and instructs a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who rebukes a wicked man gets insults for himself.

[a]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.(A)

Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser;
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 9:8 The ancient rabbis took this to have the force of a commandment: never give a rebuke that is sure to be ignored.

10 
He who [maliciously] winks the eye [of evil intent] causes trouble;
And the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.
11 
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life and his words of wisdom are a source of blessing,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence and evil.

Read full chapter

13 
On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found,
But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding.
14 
Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart],
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Read full chapter

13 
On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found,
But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding.
14 
Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart],
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Read full chapter

13 
He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets,
But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden.

Read full chapter

13 
An evil man is [dangerously] ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.
14 
A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him [as a harvest].

Read full chapter

16 
The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],
But a prudent man ignores an insult.
17 
He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right,
But a false witness utters deceit [in court].
18 
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 
Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.

Read full chapter

22 
Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.(A)
23 
A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time],
But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.(B)

Read full chapter

25 
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.(A)

Read full chapter


From the fruit of his mouth a [wise] man enjoys good,
But the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life;
The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.

Read full chapter


In the mouth of the [arrogant] [a]fool [who rejects God] is a rod for his back,
But the lips of the wise [when they speak with godly wisdom] will protect them.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:3 See note 1:7.

Bible Gateway Recommends