Proverbs 15:12
Proverbs 15:12 in Multiple Translations
A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.
The hater of authority has no love for teaching: he will not go to the wise.
Scoffers don't like to be corrected, so they don't go to the wise for advice.
A scorner loueth not him that rebuketh him, neither will he goe vnto the wise.
A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.
A scoffer doesn’t love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go to the wise.
A corrupt man loveth not one that reproveth him: nor will he go to the wise.
Some people do not want to be corrected; they never go to wise people to seek good advice from them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֣א
יֶאֱהַב
לֵ֭ץ
הוֹכֵ֣חַֽ
ל֑/וֹ
אֶל
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
לֹ֣א
יֵלֵֽךְ
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֶאֱהַב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֵ֭ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
הוֹכֵ֣חַֽ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil-Ptc
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵלֵֽךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:12
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֶאֱהַב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
לֵ֭ץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Adj
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
הוֹכֵ֣חַֽ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵלֵֽךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:12
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
10Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD— how much more the hearts of men!
12A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise.
13A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. 14A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 5:10 | There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. |
| 2 | Job 21:14 | Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. |
| 3 | Proverbs 9:7–8 | He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 4:3 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. |
| 5 | John 3:18–21 | Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 18:7 | The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man who can ask the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:10 | Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. |
| 8 | John 7:7 | The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil. |
Proverbs 15:12 Summary
Proverbs 15:12 tells us that a person who likes to mock or make fun of others does not like to be corrected or told what to do, and they also do not like to listen to wise advice from others. This is a problem because it means they are not willing to learn or grow, and they may miss out on important opportunities for improvement (as seen in Proverbs 12:1). Instead, we should strive to be humble and willing to listen to others, as stated in Proverbs 10:8. By doing so, we can become wiser and more discerning, and we can build stronger, more positive relationships with those around us (as seen in Proverbs 22:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mocker in the context of Proverbs 15:12?
A mocker is someone who scoffs at or ridicules others, often in a way that is meant to belittle or humiliate, as seen in Proverbs 14:6 where it says that a mocker seeks wisdom but finds none.
Why does the mocker not love to be reproved?
The mocker does not love to be reproved because they are prideful and do not want to be corrected, as stated in Proverbs 10:17 which says that one who heeds instruction is on the path to life.
What is the significance of consulting the wise in this verse?
Consulting the wise is significant because it shows a willingness to listen and learn from others, as seen in Proverbs 11:14 which says that where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with others?
This verse reminds us that our relationships with others are important, and that we should be willing to listen to and learn from those who are wise, as stated in Proverbs 27:17 which says that iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting like a mocker, refusing to listen to correction or advice from others?
- How can I cultivate a humble heart that is willing to listen and learn from others, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable?
- What are some ways that I can seek out wise counsel and advice in my life, and how can I apply the principles of Proverbs 15:12 to my relationships with others?
- What are some potential consequences of being a mocker and refusing to listen to correction, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:12
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him,.... He that makes a jest of religion; scoffs at godliness and godly men; treats the Gospel and the ministers of it with contempt; makes a mock at good
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:12
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him neither will he go unto the wise - lest they should reprove him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
Loveth not, i.e. hateth and avoideth it; for more is here understood than is expressed, as it Isaiah 12:3, and elsewhere. Neither will he go unto, seek their company and conversation, as his duty and interest obligeth him, the wise, i.e. the godly, because he knows they who are so indeed will make conscience of reproving him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.Ver. 12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him.] Nay, he "hateth those that reprove him in the gate," as Ahab did Micaiah; Herodias, John Baptist; the Pharisees, our Saviour. Bishop Ridley, lamenting, a little before his death, the state of England, even of the greatest magistrates, some, the king’ s highness excepted, evermore unkindly and urgently against those that went about most busily and wholesomely to cure their sore backs, spurned privily, and would not spare to speak evil of them, even to the prince himself; and yet would they toward the same preachers outwardly bear a jolly countenance, and fair face. As for Latimer, Lever, Bradford, and Knox, their tongues were so sharp, they ripped so deep in their galled backs to have purged them, no doubt, of their filthy matter that was festered in their hearts, of unsatiable covetousness, of filthy carnality and voluptuousness, of intolerable ambition and pride, of ungodly loathsomeness to hear poor men’ s causes, and to hear God’ s word. And these men of all others, these magistrates then could never abide, &c. Thus that godly martyr, and much more to the same purpose. Neither will he go unto the wise.] Men should "run to and fro to increase knowledge." The Shunammite rode ordinarily to the prophet on the Sabbaths, and other holy days. Those good souls in Psalms 84:7, passed on "from strength to strength," setting the best foot forwards for like purpose; yea, those that were weak and unfit for travel would be brought to the ordinances upon "horses, in chariots, and in litters." But now the scorner holds it not worth while to put himself to this pains; and is ready to say with Jeroboam, "It is too much for men to go up to Jerusalem," to go up "to the mountain of the Lord, to learn his ways." Yea, he set watchers to observe who would go from him to Judah to worship, that he might shame them at least, if not slay them. He would never have gone to the prophet to be reproved, and when the prophet came to him he stretched forth his hand to apprehend him. So Herod had a desire to see Christ, but could never find a heart to go to hear him; and yet our Saviour looked that men should have come as far to him, as the queen of Sheba came to Solomon.
Acts and Mon., 1616.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
(12) A scorner.—See above on Proverbs 1:22.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:12
12. one that reproveth him] Rather, to be reproved, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:12
12. A scorner — Our term, a profane man, one who scoffs at sacred things. Such a one avoids the company of the wise and virtuous lest they should administer reproof to him.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.15:5 - 16:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of possibility and how it relates to our relationship with God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of committing our works and |
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Danger of Defiance by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message of Amos, particularly in chapter 5 and verse 24. He emphasizes the importance of hating evil, loving good, and establishing just |
|
Bible Survey - Amos by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the prophet Amos, a humble and bold shepherd who fearlessly proclaimed God's truth to the Northern tribes of Israel during a time of peace and prosperity. |
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An Alarm to the Unconverted 2 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the danger of being deceived about one's spiritual state. He challenges the listeners to honestly ass |
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The Misery of Those Who Lose the Saints' Rest by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon warning about the consequences of rejecting Christ and living in sin, emphasizing the eternal separation from God and the everlasting torm |
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Heaven Would Be a Very Hell by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for an unholy heart, heaven would feel like hell due to its purity and holiness, which are contrary to their desires. He points out that while unholy |
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Man's Dislike of a Present God. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar addresses the tendency of worldly men to reject the presence of God, as illustrated in Job 21:14, where they express a desire for God to depart from them. He explain |