Proverbs 9:7 - The Message If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins. So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it! Save your breath for the wise—they’ll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know—they’ll profit from it. Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God. It’s through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: And he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition He who rebukes a scorner heaps upon himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man gets for himself bruises. American Standard Version (1901) He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Common English Bible Whoever instructs the cynic gets insulted; whoever corrects the wicked gets hurt. Catholic Public Domain Version Whoever teaches a mocker causes injury to himself. And whoever argues with the impious produces a blemish on himself. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version He that teacheth a scorner, doth an injury to himself: and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot. |