Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you;This phrase highlights the futility of correcting someone who is scornful or dismissive of wisdom. In biblical context, a "mocker" is often associated with those who reject God's teachings and live in opposition to His ways. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently contrast the mocker with the righteous, emphasizing the mocker's resistance to correction (
Psalm 1:1,
Proverbs 21:24). Historically, mockers were seen as those who not only rejected wisdom but also actively ridiculed it, creating a hostile environment for those who sought to live righteously. This reflects a broader cultural understanding in ancient Israel, where community and reputation were significant, and being labeled a mocker was a serious indictment. The phrase warns against engaging in fruitless efforts to correct such individuals, as their response is often one of animosity rather than repentance.
rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
In contrast, this phrase underscores the value of wisdom and the positive reception of correction by those who are wise. A "wise man" in biblical terms is someone who fears the Lord and seeks to live according to His statutes (Proverbs 1:7). The wise are open to instruction and view correction as an opportunity for growth, aligning with the biblical principle that wisdom is characterized by humility and a teachable spirit (Proverbs 12:1,Proverbs 15:31-32). This openness to rebuke is a mark of true wisdom and maturity, as it reflects a desire to align more closely with God's will. The love that results from such correction is indicative of a deep appreciation for truth and the one who imparts it, fostering a community where wisdom and understanding are cherished. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to speak the truth in love and to build one another up (Ephesians 4:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MockerA person who scorns or ridicules wisdom and instruction. In the context of Proverbs, a mocker is someone who is arrogant and dismissive of correction.
2.
Wise Man ("chakam" in Hebrew)An individual who values wisdom and is open to instruction and correction. The wise person is characterized by humility and a desire to grow in understanding.
3.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His teachings often contrast the behaviors and outcomes of the wise and the foolish.
4.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings focus on practical and moral teachings.
5.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom was highly valued and seen as a divine gift.
Teaching Points
The Nature of a MockerMockers are resistant to correction and often respond with hostility. Engaging with them in attempts to correct may lead to conflict rather than growth.
The Heart of the WiseA wise person welcomes correction and sees it as an opportunity for growth. This openness is rooted in humility and a desire to align more closely with God's wisdom.
The Role of DiscernmentBelievers must exercise discernment in choosing when and how to offer correction. Not every situation or person is receptive to rebuke, and wisdom is needed to navigate these interactions.
The Value of Loving CorrectionWhen correction is given and received in love, it strengthens relationships and fosters spiritual growth. Wise individuals appreciate and love those who help them grow.
Cultivating a Teachable SpiritChristians are encouraged to cultivate a teachable spirit, being open to learning from others and from God’s Word. This attitude is essential for spiritual maturity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 9:8?
2.How can we wisely respond to criticism, as advised in Proverbs 9:8?
3.Why does Proverbs 9:8 suggest not rebuking a mocker?
4.How does Proverbs 9:8 relate to Jesus' teachings on wisdom?
5.What practical steps can we take to love correction, as Proverbs 9:8 suggests?
6.How can Proverbs 9:8 guide our interactions with non-believers?
7.What does Proverbs 9:8 teach about responding to criticism and correction?
8.How does Proverbs 9:8 differentiate between a mocker and a wise person?
9.Why does Proverbs 9:8 advise against correcting a mocker?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9?
11.What defines a scorner's traits and behavior in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about narcissism?
13.How should we respond to constructive criticism?
14.Is it appropriate for Christians to sell alcohol or tobacco?What Does Proverbs 9:8 Mean
Do not rebuke a mocker“Do not rebuke a mocker…” (Proverbs 9:8a)
• A mocker scoffs at truth (Proverbs 1:22) and lacks the humility needed for change.
•Proverbs 9:7 warns that correcting such a person “brings shame on himself.”
• Jesus echoed this inMatthew 7:6—pearls before swine invite abuse.
• Practical wisdom: discern when silence protects the gospel (Proverbs 23:9; 26:4).
or he will hate you“…or he will hate you.” (Proverbs 9:8b)
• A scorner’s default response to correction is hostility (Proverbs 15:12).
•Amos 5:10 notes that those who reprove at the gate “are hated.”
•John 3:20 shows the root: exposure of sin breeds hatred for the light.
• Result: wasted effort, damaged relationships, potential danger (Proverbs 29:27).
rebuke a wise man“…rebuke a wise man…” (Proverbs 9:8c)
• Wisdom welcomes discipline (Proverbs 17:10; 19:25).
•Ecclesiastes 7:5 calls rebuke better than foolish entertainment.
• Paul corrected Peter, and Peter later honored Paul (Galatians 2:11–14;2 Peter 3:15).
• Marks of wisdom: quick listening, teachability, eagerness to grow (James 1:19;Proverbs 12:1).
and he will love you“…and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8d)
• A righteous rebuke is kindness (Psalm 141:5).
• Open rebuke proves genuine love (Proverbs 27:5-6).
• A fitting correction is like gold jewelry (Proverbs 25:12).
• Fruit: deeper trust, sharper discernment, stronger fellowship (Hebrews 3:13).
summaryProverbs 9:8 contrasts two heart postures. The mocker despises correction and turns against the one who offers it; the wise person receives rebuke as a gift and responds with gratitude and love. Discernment keeps us from casting pearls before scoffers while encouraging us to speak truth to the teachable, knowing that godly correction strengthens both character and community.
Verse 8. -
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee (see the last note, and comp.
Proverbs 15:12, and note there). There are times when reproof only hardens and exasperates. "It is not proper," says St. Gregory, "for the good man to fear lest the scorner should utter abuse at him when he is chidden, but lest, being drawn into hatred, he should be made worse" ('Moral.,' 8:67). "Bad men sometimes we spare, and not ourselves, if from the love of those we cease from the rebuking of them. Whence it is needful that we sometimes endure keeping to ourselves what they are, in order that they may learn in us by our good living what they are not" (ibid., 20:47, Oxford transl.).
Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. So
Psalm 141:5, "Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head; let not my head refuse it" (comp.
Proverbs 19:25;
Proverbs 25:12;
Proverbs 27:6).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notrebukeתּ֣וֹכַח(tō·w·ḵaḥ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3198:To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convicta mockerלֵ֭ץ(lêṣ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887:Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mockerorפֶּן־(pen-)Conjunction
Strong's 6435:Removal, lesthe will hate you;יִשְׂנָאֶ֑ךָּ(yiś·nā·’e·kā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8130:To haterebukeהוֹכַ֥ח(hō·w·ḵaḥ)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3198:To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convicta wise man,לְ֝חָכָ֗ם(lə·ḥā·ḵām)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wiseand he will love you.וְיֶאֱהָבֶֽךָּ׃(wə·ye·’ĕ·hā·ḇe·kā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 157:To have affection f
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:8 Don't reprove a scoffer lest he hate (Prov. Pro Pr) 
