Proverbs 17:10

¶ A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

A reproof {H1606} entereth {H5181} more into a wise man {H995} than an hundred {H3967} stripes {H5221} into a fool {H3684}.

A rebuke makes more impression on a person of understanding than a hundred blows on a fool.

A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 17:10 offers a profound insight into human nature and the effectiveness of correction, contrasting the receptive heart of a wise person with the stubborn resistance of a fool.

Context of Proverbs 17:10

This verse is part of the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings from ancient Israel. The book frequently highlights the stark differences between the "wise" (chakham), who fear the Lord and live by His instruction, and the "fool" (often kesil or evil), who is characterized by moral deficiency, stubbornness, and resistance to truth. Within this wisdom tradition, correction and discipline were seen as essential for growth, reflecting God's own methods of guiding His people. The concept of "stripes" refers to physical punishment, a common form of discipline in the ancient Near East.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Wisdom: A wise person is defined by their receptiveness to instruction and rebuke. For them, a verbal reproof carries more weight and brings about more significant change than severe physical punishment would for someone unwilling to learn. This aligns with the proverb that a wise man will love you if you reprove him.
  • The Stubbornness of Folly: Conversely, a fool is so entrenched in their ways that even extreme physical pain ("an hundred stripes") fails to penetrate their hardened heart or alter their behavior. Their problem is not a lack of external motivation but an internal unwillingness to accept truth or change. This futility is echoed in Proverbs 27:22, which states that even grinding a fool in a mortar will not remove his foolishness.
  • The Power of Words: For the discerning, a simple word of correction can be incredibly powerful, leading to introspection and genuine transformation. This emphasizes the spiritual and intellectual depth of a wise individual who processes information and applies it to their life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "reproof" is ga'arah, which conveys the idea of a strong rebuke, warning, or censure. It's not just a mild suggestion but a forceful correction intended to bring about a realization of error. The contrast highlights the profound difference between the inner character of the "wise man" (chakham), who possesses discernment and a teachable spirit, and the "fool" (kesil), whose inherent obstinacy renders external measures ineffective.

Practical Application

Proverbs 17:10 encourages us to cultivate a teachable spirit. Are we quick to listen to correction, even when it's uncomfortable? This verse also offers insight into dealing with others: true change comes from within, and external pressures often fail if the heart is closed. For those in positions of leadership, parenting, or mentorship, it underscores the importance of discerning the heart of the individual and recognizing that the most effective form of discipline for a receptive person is often clear, thoughtful instruction and rebuke, rather than mere punishment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Proverbs 9:8

    Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

  • Proverbs 9:9

    Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

  • Proverbs 29:19

    ¶ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

  • Psalms 141:5

    Let the righteous smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall be] in their calamities.

  • Proverbs 13:1

    ¶ A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

  • Proverbs 15:5

    ¶ A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

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