Proverbs 9:12

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 9:12 encapsulates a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: the deeply personal nature of one's choices and their resulting consequences. It serves as a powerful summary statement within Proverbs' overarching theme of choosing between the path of wisdom and the path of folly.

Context

This verse concludes the discourse of Lady Wisdom's invitation (Proverbs 9:1-12), which immediately precedes the contrasting invitation of Lady Folly (Proverbs 9:13-18). The book of Proverbs frequently personifies wisdom as a virtuous woman, offering life and understanding, and folly as a seductive, destructive one. Verse 12 emphasizes that the decision to embrace wisdom or to reject it through scorn directly impacts the individual, with no one else bearing the ultimate benefit or burden.

Key Themes

  • Personal Responsibility: The verse powerfully asserts that the outcomes of our choices are our own. If one chooses the path of wisdom, the benefits are uniquely theirs; if one chooses to mock or reject wisdom, they alone will suffer the repercussions. This highlights the concept of reaping what one sows.
  • The Nature of Wisdom: True wisdom, or chokmah, is not merely intellectual knowledge but practical discernment that leads to a righteous and prosperous life. Its rewards are internal and personal, affecting one's character, peace, and ultimate destiny. Proverbs 3:13-18 elaborates on the blessedness of finding wisdom.
  • The Danger of Scorn: To "scorn" (Hebrew: luts) implies an arrogant, defiant rejection of instruction, correction, or divine truth. A scorner is not merely ignorant but actively hostile to wisdom, often mocking those who seek it. This attitude leads to self-inflicted harm and isolation from the blessings of God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wise" is chakam (related to chokmah for wisdom), denoting someone who is skillful, discerning, and morally upright. The benefits reaped by such a person are profound and personal.

The term "scornest" comes from the Hebrew luts, which means to mock, scoff, or deride. It describes a person who is hardened in their foolishness, resistant to correction, and often ridicules spiritual or moral instruction. Such a person sets themselves against the very source of life and will inevitably "bear it"—meaning they will personally endure the negative consequences of their rebellious choices.

Practical Application

Proverbs 9:12 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact of our moral and spiritual choices:

  • Embrace Wisdom: Actively seek and apply God's wisdom in all areas of life. Its benefits, such as peace, discernment, and favor, are personal and enduring.
  • Shun Scorn: Guard against an attitude of cynicism, mockery, or rebellion against truth and instruction. Such an attitude closes the door to growth and invites self-inflicted suffering.
  • Personal Accountability: The verse underscores that while others may influence us, our ultimate destiny and the consequences of our actions rest squarely on our own shoulders. It encourages a mature understanding of personal responsibility before God and others.

Ultimately, this verse calls every individual to serious reflection on their life's path, emphasizing that the most significant returns—or burdens—are always personal.

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.

  • 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.

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