Proverbs 9:12

KJV

If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou be wise {H2449}, thou shalt be wise {H2449} for thyself: but if thou scornest {H3887}, thou alone shalt bear {H5375} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you are wise, your wisdom helps you; but if you scoff, you bear the consequences alone."

Berean Standard Bible

If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

American Standard Version

If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:12 serves as a pivotal concluding statement to Lady Wisdom's invitation, encapsulating the profound principle of personal accountability in the pursuit of wisdom or the embrace of folly. It asserts that the ultimate benefits of choosing a life guided by divine wisdom are uniquely reaped by the individual, just as the severe consequences of rejecting instruction and embracing a scornful attitude are borne solely by the one who chooses that path. This verse underscores the intensely personal nature of spiritual and moral decisions, highlighting that while counsel may be offered, the responsibility for one's choices and their resulting destiny rests squarely on the individual.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 9:12 stands as the climactic conclusion to the extended discourse of Lady Wisdom's invitation, which spans from [Proverbs 9:1-12](/proverbs/9-1 "Proverbs 9:1-12 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation"). This section immediately precedes the starkly contrasting invitation of Lady Folly in [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - Lady Folly's Allure"). The entire chapter is structured as a dramatic literary device, personifying wisdom and folly as two women issuing competing calls to humanity. Lady Wisdom offers a feast of understanding and life to those who are "simple" or "lacking sense" ([Proverbs 9:4](/proverbs/9-4 "Proverbs 9:4 - Lady Wisdom's Call to the Simple")), promising that by walking with her, they will "live" and "walk in the way of understanding" ([Proverbs 9:6](/proverbs/9-6 "Proverbs 9:6 - The Path of Life")). Verse 12 acts as the final, emphatic warning and encouragement from Lady Wisdom, summarizing the personal stakes involved in responding to her call. It reinforces the individual's direct relationship with the consequences of their moral and spiritual choices, setting the stage for the reader to consider the alternative presented by Lady Folly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, a genre of literature focused on practical ethics, moral instruction, and the pursuit of a well-ordered life. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a holistic way of living in harmony with God's created order, often passed down from parents to children and from sages to disciples. The proverbs served as didactic tools, shaping character and promoting societal well-being. The concept of personal responsibility, as articulated in Proverbs 9:12, was foundational to Israelite covenant theology, where individual obedience or disobedience to God's commands carried direct consequences, both for the individual and the community. While the community played a vital role in instruction and accountability, the ultimate choice to heed or reject wisdom remained a personal one, with the individual bearing the weight of their decision. This emphasis on individual moral agency was a significant aspect of ancient Israelite thought, particularly as it evolved to address issues of personal righteousness beyond collective guilt.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 9:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Personal Accountability and Consequence**. The verse unequivocally states that the benefits of wisdom and the burdens of scorn are uniquely borne by the individual, reinforcing the principle that one reaps what one sows, as echoed in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow"). Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of True Wisdom (Chokmah)**, which is not just intellectual knowledge but practical, moral discernment that leads to life and flourishing. This wisdom is presented as a path that, when chosen, yields deeply personal and enduring rewards, as elaborated in [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessedness of Wisdom"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Danger of Scorn and Folly**. To "scorn" is to actively reject, mock, and defy instruction and truth, an attitude that inevitably leads to self-inflicted harm and separation from the blessings of God. This defiant posture is contrasted sharply with the humble receptivity required for wisdom, and the consequences of such a path are consistently warned against throughout the wisdom literature, for example, in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkam'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound ability to be skillful, discerning, and morally upright in mind, word, and act. When the text states, "If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself," it implies that the benefits of this comprehensive wisdom—which includes prudence, discernment, and righteous living—are intrinsically linked to the individual's well-being and flourishing. The wisdom cultivated becomes an internal resource, shaping one's character, decisions, and ultimately, one's destiny, leading to personal advantage and true life.
* **Scornest (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** This root describes a person who "makes mouths at" or scoffs, derides, and mocks. A "scorner" is not merely ignorant but actively hostile to instruction, correction, and divine truth. This individual is characterized by arrogance and defiance, often ridiculing those who pursue wisdom or live righteously. The act of scorning is a deliberate rejection of the path of wisdom, and the verse declares that the consequences of this defiant attitude—isolation, self-inflicted harm, and divine judgment—will be borne solely by the scorner, with no one else able to intervene or mitigate the outcome.
* **Bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This versatile primitive root carries a wide range of meanings, including to lift, carry, bear, or endure. In the context of Proverbs 9:12, "thou alone shalt bear it" signifies that the scorner will personally carry the burden, endure the consequences, and be held accountable for their choices. There is no external party to lighten the load or share the responsibility. This emphasizes the inescapable nature of the repercussions for rejecting wisdom and embracing a lifestyle of mockery and defiance. The individual will experience the full weight of their self-chosen folly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself":** This clause establishes a direct, personal link between the acquisition and application of wisdom and the resulting benefits. It means that the advantages, blessings, and positive outcomes of living a wise life—such as peace, discernment, favor, and flourishing—are not transferable or shared but accrue directly and primarily to the individual who chooses that path. True wisdom is an internal possession that profoundly shapes one's character and destiny, yielding personal dividends that no one else can claim or diminish.
* **"but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it":** This contrasting clause presents the stark alternative and its inevitable consequence. To "scorn" is to reject wisdom and instruction with arrogance and mockery. The phrase "thou alone shalt bear it" emphasizes the absolute personal responsibility for such a choice. The negative consequences—disgrace, suffering, isolation, and divine judgment—will be borne solely by the scorner. There is no one else to share the burden, mitigate the pain, or deflect the accountability. This highlights the severe and inescapable repercussions of a life lived in defiant rejection of divine truth and instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two lines or clauses express contrasting ideas or propositions. Here, the positive outcome of wisdom ("wise for thyself") is set in direct opposition to the negative consequence of scorn ("thou alone shalt bear it"), creating a powerful moral dichotomy. This structure emphasizes the clear choice presented to the reader and the distinct, inevitable outcomes of each path. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Retribution Theology**, asserting a direct link between human action (wisdom or scorn) and divine consequence (personal benefit or burden). While not a full legalistic system, it reflects the biblical principle that God's moral order ensures that choices have commensurate outcomes. Finally, within the broader context of [Proverbs 9](/proverbs/9 "Proverbs 9 - Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly"), the verse participates in the overarching **Personification** of wisdom and folly as two women, each offering a distinct path. Though not explicitly personified within this single verse, its message is the culmination of Lady Wisdom's earnest appeal, reinforcing the personal stakes of responding to her call versus succumbing to Lady Folly's deceptive allure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:12 stands as a powerful declaration of individual accountability within God's moral universe. It underscores a fundamental theological truth: God has established a creation order where choices have consequences, and these consequences are primarily borne by the one making the choice. This principle is deeply intertwined with themes of divine justice, human freedom, and the call to moral responsibility. The verse teaches that wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a life-transforming path that yields personal flourishing, while scorn is a self-destructive posture that isolates one from blessing and inevitably leads to personal suffering. It serves as a stark reminder that while God offers guidance and grace, the ultimate decision to align with His wisdom or rebel against it rests with each individual, with profound and inescapable implications for their life and destiny.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Reaping and Sowing")
* [Job 34:11](/job/34-11 "Job 34:11 - God Repays According to Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:12 calls us to a profound self-awareness regarding the choices we make and their intrinsic link to our personal well-being and ultimate destiny. It reminds us that while we are influenced by many factors, the core responsibility for our spiritual and moral trajectory lies squarely with us. Embracing wisdom means actively seeking God's truth, humbly receiving correction, and diligently applying biblical principles to every area of life. The benefits—peace, discernment, character, and a flourishing relationship with God—are deeply personal and enduring, shaping who we are from the inside out. Conversely, cultivating a spirit of scorn, characterized by arrogance, cynicism, and a defiant rejection of divine instruction, is a self-inflicted wound. It closes us off from growth, alienates us from God's grace, and inevitably leads to personal hardship and isolation. This verse serves as a timeless call to choose wisely, recognizing that our most significant returns, or burdens, are always personal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I actively seeking and applying God's wisdom, and how am I experiencing its personal benefits?**
* **Am I aware of any attitudes of cynicism, mockery, or defiance ("scorn") in my heart or actions, and what might be the personal consequences of these attitudes?**
* **How does understanding personal accountability, as taught in this verse, impact my daily decisions and my spiritual walk?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart towards wisdom and guard against the dangers of scorn?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "wise for thyself"?**

Answer: To be "wise for thyself" means that the benefits and positive outcomes of choosing and living by wisdom accrue directly and personally to the individual. It implies that wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but a practical way of life that yields tangible, personal dividends. These benefits include internal peace, sound judgment, a well-ordered life, flourishing relationships, and ultimately, a deeper connection with God. The wisdom cultivated becomes an intrinsic part of one's character, leading to personal advantage and true well-being that no one else can claim or diminish. It highlights the deeply personal and internal nature of wisdom's reward.

**What is the biblical definition of a "scorner," and why does he "alone bear it"?**

Answer: In biblical wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, a "scorner" (Hebrew: *lûwts*) is more than just someone who lacks knowledge; they are characterized by an arrogant, defiant, and often mocking attitude towards instruction, correction, and divine truth. A scorner actively resists wisdom, often ridiculing those who seek it or who live righteously. They are hardened in their foolishness, unwilling to learn or change. The phrase "thou alone shalt bear it" emphasizes the inescapable personal responsibility for this defiant posture. It means that the negative consequences—such as disgrace, isolation, self-inflicted harm, and divine judgment—will be borne solely by the scorner. Unlike the benefits of wisdom which are personal blessings, the burdens of scorn are personal judgments, and no one else can intervene to alleviate the weight of these self-chosen repercussions. This underscores the severity and inevitability of the outcomes of rejecting God's wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:12, with its emphasis on the personal consequences of choosing wisdom or folly, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a wise teacher, but the very embodiment of divine wisdom, as [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") declares Him to be "the power of God and the wisdom of God." In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Him Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Therefore, to "be wise" in the truest sense is to respond in faith and obedience to Jesus. When we choose Christ, we are choosing wisdom itself, and the benefits are profoundly "for ourselves"—eternal life, reconciliation with God, spiritual understanding, and a transformed character ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). Conversely, to "scorn" is to reject Christ, the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom and grace. Those who scorn Him, who refuse His invitation and mock His truth, will indeed "alone bear it"—they will face the eternal consequences of their rejection, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - No Other Name")). Jesus Himself warned that those who hear His words and do not put them into practice are like a foolish man who builds his house on sand, leading to great ruin ([Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")). Thus, Proverbs 9:12 ultimately points us to the pivotal choice of embracing Christ, the Wisdom of God, for our eternal benefit, or rejecting Him to our own peril.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 22:2

Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

Job 22:3

[Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?

Ezekiel 18:20

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

2 Peter 3:3

¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

2 Peter 3:4

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.

Job 22:21

¶ Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

Proverbs 16:26

¶ He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.