1 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, 5 “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” 7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. —Proverbs 9:1–12 NIV
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. —Proverbs 9:8 NIV
1. Wise does not mean they are the
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. —Proverbs 18:2 NIV
2. The fool may be the
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. —Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. —Proverbs 9:7 NIV
So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. —Proverbs 9:8 NLT
3. Don’t waste your time
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. —Proverbs 9:9–12 NIV