Proverbs 9:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

NIV: If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

NASB: If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will suffer from it.

CSB: If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit; if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences."

NLT: If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

KJV: If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

NKJV: If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

This verse summarizes the idea that the choice between wisdom and foolishness—between godly truth and selfish arrogance—has direct consequences for a person's own life. Choosing wisdom is "for yourself," in the sense of being positive or uplifting. Likewise, the choice to be foolish ultimately results in consequences that other people cannot remove. Those who "scoff" respond to wisdom and correction with sneers and hatred (Proverbs 9:7–8). Those who accept godly correction improve their own lives (Proverbs 9:9).

In one of Jesus' parables, an unwise wealthy farmer boasted, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry" (Luke 12:19). However, God answered him with this rebuke, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20). As far as eternity is concerned, a bulging bank account is worthless. It's been said that a moving van never follows a hearse—you cannot take those earthly goods with you into eternity. What matters is a person's faith in the all-wise Savior. The wise believer stores up treasure in heaven and receives rewards for faithful service (1 Corinthians 3:10–14).

Proverbs 9:7–12 bridges the other two sections of this chapter. The first depicts Wisdom as a generous, benevolent woman calling on others to respond to her invitation and live (Proverbs 9:1–6). The last segment portrays Wisdom's mirror image, Folly, who entices others with lies and deception, leading to their death. In this section of Proverbs 9, Solomon describes what is at stake in the decision between these two proverbial women. This also notes the inherent difference between those who sincerely seek wisdom, versus those who can only stand to be told what they want to hear.

Wisdom is portrayed as a dignified woman who prepares a spacious house and feast. She invites those who are gullible and lacking judgment to improve their wisdom, by accepting her invitation. She urges invitees to abandon their simple ways and walk in the way of insight. Solomon then contrasts the attitudes of those who sincerely seek truth, compared to those who hate being corrected. The chapter ends with a description of Wisdom's mirror image: Folly. She is seductive and ignorant. She invites the gullible to enter her house, promising that immorality is enjoyable and pleasant. Sadly, those who are seduced do not realize her invitation leads to ruin and damnation.

In chapter 7, Solomon portrayed an evil woman (Proverbs 7:7–27). In chapter 8 he portrays wisdom as a refined lady who offers instruction to all who heed her call. Chapter 9 contrasts Lady Wisdom with the evil Woman Folly, who lures the foolish to their ruin. This extended warning about the dangers of rejecting God's wisdom leads into an extended collection of standalone proverbial comments, beginning in chapter 10.

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.