Proverbs 9:8

Arabic SAB (الكتاب الشريف)

لَا تُوَبِّخِ الْمُسْتَهْزِئَ لِئَلَّا يَكْرَهَكَ، وَبِّخِ الْحَكِيمَ فَيُحِبَّكَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that you shouldn't correct someone who is a scorners because they might get angry at you. But if you correct a wise person, they will respect you for it. The key message is about knowing who to give advice to.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have two friends. One friend loves to laugh and learn from your jokes. The other friend gets upset when you point out their mistakes. This verse tells us that we should give advice to the friend who loves to learn, not the one who gets upset.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and teachings. It was written around 900-450 BCE and compiled over several centuries. The audience was the people of Israel, and it was meant to teach them how to live wisely and righteously.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you work with two colleagues. One is open to feedback and uses it to improve, while the other gets defensive. This verse would advise you to give constructive criticism to the colleague who is open to it, as it will help them grow.

Topics

• wisdom
• advice
• communication
• relationships
• reproof
• discernment

Related Verses

• Proverbs 15:12
• Proverbs 23:9
• Matthew 7:6
• Proverbs 10:17
• Proverbs 17:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote Proverbs?

Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, but it also includes sayings from other wise men and women in Israel.

How should we approach giving feedback?

We should be thoughtful and consider the person's willingness to receive and act on the advice, as seen in Proverbs 9:8.

What does it mean to be a scorner?

A scorner is someone who mocks and rejects advice, often becoming hostile towards those who offer it.

What is the difference between reproving and rebuking?

Reproving is a gentle correction, while rebuking is a more direct and sometimes harsher form of correction, but both can lead to positive outcomes if the person is willing to listen.