King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Complete Jewish Bible:
A scorner does not like being corrected; he won't go to the wise [for advice].
Berean Standard Bible:
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
American Standard Version:
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
A scorner{H3887} loveth{H157} not one that reproveth{H3198} him: neither will he go{H3212} unto the wise{H2450}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Amos 5:10
- They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.
Job 21:14
- Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
Proverbs 9:7
- He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
Proverbs 9:8
- Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
John 3:18
- He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:21
- But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2 Chronicles 18:7
- And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 15:12
Proverbs 15:12 is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, specifically found in the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and instructions that express the conventional wisdom of ancient Israel. The verse reflects a theme common throughout the Proverbs: the importance of humility and teachability in the pursuit of wisdom.
The historical context of Proverbs places its origins in the monarchic period of Israel, with traditions attributing much of the content to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. The book is a compilation of various proverbs, many of which would have been used in the instruction of young men, particularly those being groomed for leadership and service in the royal court.
In simple terms, Proverbs 15:12 conveys that a person who scorns or mocks others does not appreciate being corrected. Such an individual is characterized by a lack of humility and an unwillingness to learn from those wiser. The verse suggests that a scorner is resistant to wisdom and, as a result, will not seek the company of the wise for guidance or improvement. This resistance to reproof and wisdom is seen as a significant character flaw, leading to a life devoid of true understanding and insight.
The broader implication is that the ability to accept reproof and to learn from the wise is a mark of a person who is on the path to wisdom and righteousness. In contrast, the scorner's path leads away from these virtues. The verse serves as a warning to readers to be open to correction and to value the wisdom of those who can offer it, thereby fostering personal growth and right living.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3887
There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לוּץ
Transliteration: lûwts
Pronunciation: loots
Description: a primitive root; properly, to make mouths at, i.e. to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede; ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. - Strong's Number: H157
There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָהַב
Transliteration: ʼâhab
Pronunciation: aw-hab'
Description: or אָהֵב ; a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. - Strong's Number: H3198
There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָכַח
Transliteration: yâkach
Pronunciation: yaw-kahh'
Description: a primitive root; to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict; appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. - Strong's Number: H3212
There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָלַךְ
Transliteration: yâlak
Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. - Strong's Number: H2450
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָכָם
Transliteration: châkâm
Pronunciation: khaw-kawm'
Description: from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man).