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22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
    How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery,
    and fools hate knowledge?

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22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?(A)

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34 Surely he mocks the mockers,
    but he gives grace to the humble.

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34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,
    but to the humble he shows favor.(A)

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One who corrects a mocker invites insult.
    One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.
    Reprove a wise person, and he will love you.

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General Maxims

Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse;
    whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.(A)
Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you;
    rebuke the wise, and he will love you.(B)

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A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it,
    but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.

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A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
    but knowledge is easy for one who understands.

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12 A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved;
    he will not go to the wise.

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12 Scoffers do not like to be rebuked;
    they will not go to the wise.(A)

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25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
    rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

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25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
    reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.(A)

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29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
    and beatings for the backs of fools.

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29 Punishments are prepared for scoffers
    and flogging for the backs of fools.(A)

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11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
    When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

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11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser;
    when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.(A)

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24 The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name—
    he works in the arrogance of pride.

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24 The proud, haughty person, named Scoffer,
    acts with arrogant pride.(A)

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10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out;
    yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

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10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife goes out;
    quarreling and abuse will cease.(A)

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The schemes of folly are sin.
    The mocker is detested by men.

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The devising of folly is sin,
    and the scoffer is an abomination to all.

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Mockers stir up a city,
    but wise men turn away anger.

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Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.(A)

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