Proverbs 9:7

Whoever corrects ¹  a mocker is asking for ²  insult; ³  whoever reproves a wicked person receives ⁴  abuse.

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt.

If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.

He who gives teaching to a man of pride gets shame for himself; he who says sharp words to a sinner gets a bad name.

Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse; whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.

"He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.

Whoever corrects ¹  a mocker is asking for ²  insult; ³  whoever reproves a wicked person receives ⁴  abuse.

¹ tn The active participle יֹסֵר (yoser) describes one who tries to correct by means of instruction and discipline; it is paralleled by the Hiphil participle which refers to someone who rebukes or reproves another. Anyone trying this on these types of people would be inviting trouble.

² tn Heb “receives for himself.”

³ tn The word means “dishonor” or “disgrace.” It is paralleled with מוּמוֹ (mumo), translated “abuse.” The latter term means “blemish,” although some would emend the text to read “reproach.” The MT is figurative but not impossible to interpret: Whoever tries to rebuke a wicked person will receive only insults and perhaps physical attack.

⁴ tn The verb “receives” is supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity and smoothness.