Bible Strands
Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The speaker addresses a general audience within the concluding wisdom discourse of Proverbs 9, contrasting two categories of listeners in the same instructional moment.
The words — The Hebrew לֵץ (lēt͡s) means "a mocker," while חָכָם (chāchām) denotes "a wise person," framing the verse around the disposition of the recipient rather than the content of the rebuke.
The thread — This pattern of correction and response runs through Proverbs 23:9, which warns that a fool will despise wise words, and Psalms 141:5, where the psalmist welcomes rebuke as an act of loving devotion.
Why it lands — It demands that a reader evaluate a listener’s character before offering correction, recognizing that rebuke provokes hostility in the proud but affection in the teachable.
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
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Cross-references
- Psalms 141:5 Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.
- Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
- Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
- Proverbs 15:12 A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
- Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
- Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
- Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
- Leviticus 19:17 You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.
- Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
- Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,