What does Proverbs 15:12 mean?
ESV: A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
NIV: Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
NASB: A scoffer does not love one who rebukes him; He will not go to the wise.
CSB: A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.
NLT: Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
KJV: A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
NKJV: A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise.
Verse Commentary:
Solomon continues a common theme in the book of Proverbs: that "fools" are those who refuse to be corrected with truth. The Hebrew root word luwts suggests someone arrogant or sneering (Proverbs 9:7–8; 13:1). Such derisive persons don't want to be corrected and deliberately avoid those with godly wisdom. This harmonizes with Solomon's earlier statement noting that "fools," meaning those who reject godly truth (Proverbs 1:7), gush with foolish statements while the wise are trying to give a careful answer (Proverbs 15:2).
In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he commended the preaching of God's Word, as well as reproof and rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2). These last two ideas both refer to correcting others in spiritual error. Paul also warned Timothy that people would soon abandon truth in favor of lies that matched their preferences (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Some people today who claim the name of Christ refuse to listen to what they need to hear; they only accept what they want to hear. Such persons are mocking God and refuse to learn from the wise. The scoffer refuses to examine his heart and correct the wrong that lurks there. Nevertheless, the Lord searches the heart and judges the unrepentant (Hebrews 4:13).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 15:6–12 contrasts the righteous and the wicked; in the context of the book of Proverbs, these two groups are also defined as those who are "wise" and those who are "foolish." Many of these comparisons are from God's perspective. Even good deeds and rituals performed by those who disobey God are offensive to Him. And yet, He accepts the prayers of those who sincerely seek His will. The Lord loves those who love Him, but He consigns the wicked to eternal punishment (Proverbs 10:29).
Chapter Summary:
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a long list of Solomon's wise sayings. This passage continues to emphasize common themes such as hard work, humility, godly wisdom, and self-control. This extended collection of proverbs continues through much of chapter 22.
Book Summary:
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.
Accessed 5/5/2024 6:15:55 PM
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