^5 (A)Let the righteous strike me;
It shall be a kindness.
And let him rebuke me;
It shall be as excellent oil;
Let my head not refuse it.

For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

⁷ “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,
And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
^8 (A)Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
^(B)Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, ^(C)and he will increase in learning.

²⁵ Strike a scoffer, and the simple ^(A)will become wary;
^(B)Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.