He who correctsa scoffergetsdishonorfor himself, And he who reprovesa wickedman[gets] insultsfor himself.
When AhabsawElijah,Ahabsaidto him, "Is thisyou, you troublerof Israel?"
Ahabsaidto Elijah,"Have you foundme, O my enemy?"And he answered,"I have found[you], becauseyou have soldyourself to doevilin the sightof the LORD.
Then Zedekiahthe sonof Chenaanahcamenearand struckMicaiahon the cheekand said,"Howdid the Spiritof the LORDpassfrom me to speakto you?"
and say,'Thussaysthe king,"Putthisman in prisonand feedhim sparinglywith breadand wateruntilI returnsafely."'"
but they [continually] mockedthe messengersof God,despisedHis wordsand scoffedat His prophets,untilthe wrathof the LORDaroseagainst His people,untiltherewas noremedy.
"Behold,how happyis the manwhom Godreproves,So do not despisethe disciplineof the Almighty.
A wiseson[accepts his] father'sdiscipline,But a scofferdoes not listento rebuke.
A scofferdoes not loveone who reproveshim, He will not goto the wise.
Do not speakin the hearingof a fool,For he will despisethe wisdomof your words.
But they were silentand answeredhim not a word;for the king'scommandmentwas, "Do not answerhim."
