Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

PROVERBS 9:9KJV
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Proverbs 9:9 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 9:9 mean?

Proverbs 9:9 teaches that a wise person becomes even wiser when given instruction, and a just or righteous person grows in understanding when taught. The verse highlights the openness and growth that mark those who already value wisdom and justice.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are presented as teachings from a wise teacher (often pictured as Solomon) to a student or listener seeking wisdom. Proverbs 9:9 comes in a section contrasting wisdom and foolishness, showing that the truly wise are humble and eager to keep learning, while those who are already just or upright are willing to increase their knowledge rather than thinking they know enough.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 9:9

  • "Wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word describes someone skilled in living well, not just intelligent. In Proverbs, a חָכָם is someone who listens and applies what is good and true.
  • "Wiser" (יֶחְכַּם, yeḥkam): This is the verb form, meaning "to become wiser." The verse points out that wisdom is not a fixed state—wise people can and do grow even more.
  • "Just" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means "righteous" or "upright," someone who does what is right in God's eyes and in the community.
  • "Increase" (יוֹסִף, yosif): This verb means "to add" or "to increase." The verse emphasizes that learning is a continual process, even for those already considered just.
  • "Learning" (לֶקַח, leqach): This word refers to insight, instruction, or understanding. It suggests more than just facts—it's about gaining practical wisdom for life.

Why Proverbs 9:9 matters

  • Proverbs 9:9 clears up the idea that wisdom or righteousness is a one-time achievement; instead, it shows that growth is ongoing for those who are truly wise or just.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Proverbs: the attitude of teachability and humility is what separates the wise from the foolish.
  • In the context of Proverbs 9, this verse helps set up the contrast between those who welcome wisdom’s invitation and those who reject it, showing that wisdom is available to anyone willing to keep learning.

Where else these words appear

“learning” Hebrew H3948 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
  • Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
  • Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

“wiser” Hebrew H2449 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 1:10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
  • Psalms 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
  • Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

“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.