Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:12
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom teacher addresses a general audience in a structured collection of moral contrasts, using Proverbs 15:12 to define the fixed posture of a mocker. The statement follows a declaration about God’s omniscience regarding human hearts and precedes a contrast between emotional states.
The words — לֵץ (letz) denotes a mocker or scorner, while הוֹכֵחַ (ho.Khe.ach) means reproof or correction. The text states directly that the mocker does not love correction and will not go to the wise.
The thread — This active rejection of correction appears in Amos 5:10, where those in power hate those who reprove them, and in Job 21:14, where the proud refuse to know God’s ways. Proverbs 9:7 notes that attempting to rebuke a mocker brings shame upon the corrector.
Why it lands — The verse requires a reader to examine whether they welcome correction or avoid wise counsel when challenged. It demands a deliberate choice to abandon defensive pride and pursue receptive learning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Cross-references
- Amos 5:10 There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity.
- Job 21:14 Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways.
- Proverbs 9:7 He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
- John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil.
- 2 Chronicles 18:7 The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.
- Proverbs 15:10 Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
- John 3:18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.