Proverbs 17:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

NIV: A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.

NASB: A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.

CSB: A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person more than a hundred lashes into a fool.

NLT: A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

KJV: A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

NKJV: Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.

An important facet of spiritual maturity is being "teachable." A humble person, one eager for truth (Proverbs 4:1), is open to correction. That's even true when it comes in the form of a "rebuke:" a strongly worded or scolding form of criticism. That verbal reprimand will bring about change in a "man of understanding," who prioritizes truth and God's will (Proverbs 1:2, 7). Merely being "harsh" is different from offering a godly rebuke (Proverbs 15:1), and rebukes are not appropriate in all situations (1 Timothy 5:1). But when they come from love (Proverbs 9:8; 27:5; Hebrews 12:6) and go to someone open to correction (Proverbs 9:9; 15:12), they can be effective.

In contrast, the foolish person (Proverbs 1:22) refuses to be corrected, even when they suffer direct physical consequences. Under the law of Moses, no more than forty lashes were to be administered to a guilty man (Deuteronomy 25:3). The reference to a hundred blows here is hyperbole: a deliberate exaggeration used to stress how foolish a person is to reject correction.

Rebuke is never pleasant. Yet a wise person accepts it and benefits from making a change (Proverbs 1:23). The fool ignores rebukes, and often responds with abuse and hate for the person making the correction (Proverbs 9:7; Matthew 7:6).

Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.