KJV ORIGINAL
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
If you are wise, you will benefit yourself; but if you mock and reject wisdom, you alone will suffer the consequences.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse teaches that wisdom benefits the person who embraces it, while those who reject or mock wisdom will face the negative results of their choices alone.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from a collection of wisdom sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around 950-700 BC. In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued as both practical life skills and moral understanding that came from fearing God. The concept of personal responsibility for one's choices was central to Hebrew wisdom literature.
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