Rebuke not a [a]scorner, lest he hate thee: but rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Give admonition to the wise, and he will be the wiser: teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of holy things, is [b]understanding.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 9:8 Meaning them that are incorrigible, which Christ calleth dogs and swine: or he speaketh this in comparison, not that the wicked should not be rebuked, but he showeth their malice, and the small hope of profit.
  2. Proverbs 9:10 He showeth what true understanding is, to know the will of God in his word which is meant by holy things.

Do not rebuke mockers(A) or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.(B)
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.(C)

10 The fear of the Lord(D) is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One(E) is understanding.(F)

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