Proverbs 9:7-12

Proverbs 9:7-12

[7] He that reproveth  a scorner  getteth  to himself shame:  and he that rebuketh  a wicked  man getteth himself a blot.  [8] Reprove  not a scorner,  lest he hate  thee: rebuke  a wise man,  and he will love  [9] Give  instruction to a wise  man, and he will be yet wiser:  teach  a just  man, and he will increase  in learning.  [10] The fear  is the beginning  of wisdom:  and the knowledge  of the holy  is understanding.  [11] For by me thy days  shall be multiplied,  and the years  of thy life  shall be increased.  [12] If thou be wise,  for thyself: but if thou scornest,  thou alone shalt bear  it.

What does Proverbs 9:7-12 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

People do not usually live or die because of only one decision. They develop a pattern of life that ends in either death or life. This section helps us see the outcome of these styles of life. If a person is open to God and teachable, he will become wise, but if he does not accept this instruction and closes his mind, he becomes a fool.
The person who tries to help a fool by correcting him will get no honor from the fool. The fool"s folly has closed his mind to correction ( Proverbs 9:7-8; cf. Matthew 13:12-16). A wise man will continue learning from God all his life ( Proverbs 9:9; cf. 2 Peter 3:18). Proverbs 9:10 restates Proverbs 1:7. The wise life equals the righteous life ( Proverbs 9:9-11).
"Until we take seriously the wrath of God, we shall not really be solaced by the love of God." [1]
Proverbs 9:12 is a strong statement of individual responsibility. It stresses that the person himself or herself is the ultimate loser or winner in his or her decision to choose wisdom or folly ( Proverbs 9:12). [2]
"Verse12reminds us that the Lord wants to build godly character into our lives, and we can"t borrow character from others or give our character to them. This is an individual matter that involves individual decisions. Belonging to a fine family, attending a faithful church, or studying in an excellent school can"t guarantee the building of our character. Character is built on decisions, and bad decisions will create bad character." [3]