Proverbs 9:12
New Living Translation
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Proverbs 9:12
Common English Bible
12 If you are wise, it is to your benefit;
if you are cynical, you will bear it all alone.
Proverbs 9:12
Easy-to-Read Version
12 If you become wise, it will be for your own good. If you are rude and show no respect, you are the one who will suffer.
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Proverbs 9:12
Expanded Bible
12 The wise person is rewarded by wisdom,
but ·whoever makes fun of wisdom will suffer for it [L mockers will bear it alone].”
Proverbs 9:12
New English Translation
12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage,[a]
but if[b] you have mocked,[c] you alone must[d] bear it.[e]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:12 tn The text simply has the preposition ל (lamed) with a suffix, but this will be the use of the preposition classified as “interest,” either for advantage or disadvantage (R. J. Williams, Hebrew Syntax, 48-49, §271).
- Proverbs 9:12 tn The word “if” does not appear in the Hebrew but is understood from the first half of the line through the convention of ellipsis and double duty.
- Proverbs 9:12 tn Here the conjunction vav begins a second conditional sentence, laying down an antithetical condition. It uses the perfect form of a dynamic verb in contrast to the first verb (the stative perfect for present time). While it is advantageous to be or become wise at any time, once you have mocked, there will be a consequence for it.
- Proverbs 9:12 tn The use of the imperfect tense here could be the simple future tense (cf. NASB, NRSV “you…will bear it”), but the obligatory nuance is more appropriate—“you must bear it.” These words anticipate James’ warnings that the words we speak will haunt us through life (e.g., James 3:1-12).
- Proverbs 9:12 tc The LXX has an addition: “Forsake folly, that you may reign forever; and seek discretion and direct understanding in knowledge.”
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