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The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my [a]teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

For length of days and years of life [worth living]
And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:1 Or law.


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.

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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.


The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction),
But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.

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15 
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,
But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.(A)

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Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

13 A wise son heeds and accepts [and is the result of] his father’s discipline and instruction,
But a scoffer does not listen to reprimand and does not learn from his errors.

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13 
Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself,
But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.

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31 
The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure)
Will remain among the wise.

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10 
A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit
Than a hundred lashes into a fool.(A)

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16 
He who keeps and obeys the commandment [of the Lord] keeps (guards) his own life,
But he who is careless of his ways and conduct will die.(A)

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