Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.(A)
Do not rebuke mockers(B) or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.(C)
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.(D)

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The one who corrects a mocker
will bring dishonor on himself;
the one who rebukes a wicked man will get hurt.[a]
Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;(A)
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.(B)
Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 9:7 Lit man his blemish

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

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

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10 Whoever winks maliciously(A) causes grief,
    and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,(B)
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(C)

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10 A sly wink of the eye(A) causes grief,
and foolish lips will be destroyed.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,(B)
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(C)

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10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

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13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,(A)
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.(B)

14 The wise store up knowledge,(C)
    but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.(D)

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13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.(A)

14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.(B)

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13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

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13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,(A)
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.(B)

14 The wise store up knowledge,(C)
    but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.(D)

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13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.(A)

14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.(B)

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13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

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13 A gossip betrays a confidence,(A)
    but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.(B)

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13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret,
but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.(A)

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13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

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13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,(A)
    and so the innocent escape trouble.(B)

14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(C)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.(D)

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13 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,(A)
but a righteous one escapes from trouble.(B)

14 A man will be satisfied with good
by the words of his mouth,(C)
and the work of a man’s hands will reward him.(D)

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13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

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16 Fools(A) show their annoyance at once,(B)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.(C)

17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.(D)

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,(E)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(F)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

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16 A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.(A)

17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.(B)

18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;(C)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(D)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.(E)

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16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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22 The Lord detests lying lips,(A)
    but he delights(B) in people who are trustworthy.(C)

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,(D)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.(E)

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22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,(A)
but faithful people are His delight.(B)

23 A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.(C)

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22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

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25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(A)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

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25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.(A)

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25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

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