Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Don't correct someone who mocks and scorns others, or they will hate you for it. But rebuke a wise person, and they will love you for helping them grow.
This verse is teaching that mockers will hate you for correcting them, but wise people will appreciate your honest feedback.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Proverbs, attributed to King Solomon, this verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings designed to guide people in everyday decisions and moral conduct in ancient Israel. The context highlights the personification of Wisdom inviting the wise to learn, while warning about the dangers of engaging with those who reject correction. This reflects the cultural emphasis in Israelite society on pursuing wisdom through humility and discernment in relationships.
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