A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

PROVERBS 15:12KJV
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Proverbs 15:12 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:12 mean?

Proverbs 15:12 says that a person who mocks or scorns others does not appreciate being corrected and will avoid those who are wise enough to offer helpful advice. This verse highlights how some people actively resist learning or changing, especially when it comes from those who could truly help them.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as practical wisdom for daily life, often presented as advice from a wise teacher to a student or child. Here, the focus is on the attitude of a "scorner"—someone who rejects correction and refuses to seek out wisdom. The verse points out that this kind of person not only dislikes being corrected but also deliberately stays away from people who could teach them something valuable.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:12

  • "scorner" (לֵץ, lēts): This word means someone who mocks, ridicules, or treats others with contempt. In Proverbs, a לֵץ is often shown as closed-minded and unwilling to listen.
  • "loveth" (אָהַב, ’āhav): Here, this word means "to love" or "to have affection for." The verse uses it to show that the scorner has no affection or appreciation for those who correct him.
  • "reproveth" (יָכַח, yākhakh): This word means "to correct," "to rebuke," or "to show someone their fault." It emphasizes not just criticism, but an attempt to help someone improve.
  • "go" (הָלַךְ, hālak): This word means "to go" or "to approach." The verse uses it to show that the scorner will not even make the effort to seek out wise people.
  • "wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word means "wise" or "skillful." In Proverbs, a חָכָם is someone who lives with understanding and makes good choices.

Why Proverbs 15:12 matters

  • Proverbs 15:12 helps clear up the idea that everyone wants advice or correction; it shows that some people actively avoid it, especially if it challenges their pride or habits.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Proverbs: the difference between those who are open to wisdom and those who shut it out, which shapes the rest of their lives.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the practical consequences of attitude—those who reject correction cut themselves off from the very wisdom that could help them.

Where else these words appear

“scorner” Hebrew H3887 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 42:23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
  • Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
  • Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

“reproveth” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.