Translations
Modern
If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.
Traditional
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Literal
If you have been wise, you have been wise for yourself, and if you have scoffed, you will bear it for yourself alone.
Latin
Si sapiens fueris, tibimetipsi eris; si autem illusor, solus portabis malum.
Interlinear
Hebrew
English
If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.
Notes
fear of the LORD: Refer to study note on Proverbs 1:7.
The first part of Proverbs reaches a peak when the son meets two women. Both invite the young man, and the reader, into a close relationship. The young man and the reader must choose between:
The woman named Wisdom, who represents God's true wisdom (Proverbs 8:1–9:6)
The woman named Folly (9:13–18), who represents worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16)
Both women's houses are on "the heights of the city" (Proverbs 9:3, 14), which suggests ancient temples. The choice is between the true God and false gods.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Scoffing: General Scriptures Concerning Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to