Strikea scofferand the naivemay becomeshrewd,But reproveone who hasunderstandingand he will gainknowledge.
Let the righteoussmiteme in kindnessand reproveme; It is oilupon the head;Do not let my headrefuseit, For stillmy prayeris against their wickeddeeds.
A wisemanwill hearand increasein learning,And a man of understandingwill acquirewisecounsel,
A foolrejectshis father'sdiscipline,But he who regardsreproofis sensible.
A rebukegoesdeeperinto one who hasunderstandingThana hundredblowsinto a fool.
When the scofferis punished,the naivebecomeswise;But when the wiseis instructed,he receivesknowledge.
He who correctsa scoffergetsdishonorfor himself, And he who reprovesa wickedman[gets] insultsfor himself.
"Then allIsraelwill hearand be afraid,and will neveragaindosucha wickedthingamongyou.
"Then allthe menof his cityshall stonehim to death;so you shall removethe evilfrom your midst,and allIsraelwill hear[of it] and fear.
Those whomI love,I reproveand discipline;thereforebe zealousand repent.
