Add parallel Print Page Options

34 The Lord mocks the mockers
    but is gracious to the humble.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3:34 Greek version reads The Lord opposes the proud / but gives grace to the humble. Compare Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5.

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

Read full chapter

Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
    Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
So don’t bother correcting mockers;
    they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
    and they will love you.

Read full chapter

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)

Read full chapter

12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
    If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Read full chapter

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
    if you scoff, you alone will bear it.(A)

Read full chapter

13 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;[a]
    a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 13:1 Hebrew A wise son accepts his father’s discipline.

13 A wise child loves discipline,[a]
    but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.(A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 13.1 Cn: Heb A wise child the discipline of his father

A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

12 Mockers hate to be corrected,
    so they stay away from the wise.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

Read full chapter

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.(A)

Read full chapter

25 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson;
    if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

24 Mockers are proud and haughty;
    they act with boundless arrogance.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.
    Quarrels and insults will disappear.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

The schemes of a fool are sinful;
    everyone detests a mocker.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

Mockers can get a whole town agitated,
    but the wise will calm anger.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

17 The eye that mocks a father
    and despises a mother’s instructions
will be plucked out by ravens of the valley
    and eaten by vultures.

Read full chapter

17 The eye that mocks a father
    and scorns to obey a mother
will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley
    and eaten by the vultures.(A)

Read full chapter