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

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

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

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