Proverbs 17:10
in Proverbs 17A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
BSB
The same verse in ASV and KJV ▾
ASV
A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
KJV
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
⋯
This verse in Proverbs 17
Commentary
3 notes on this verseA reproof entereth more into a wise man,.... A single verbal reproof, gently, kindly, and prudently given, not only enters the ear, but the heart of a wise and understanding man; it descends into him, as the word (k) signifies; it sinks deep into his mind; it penetrates into his heart, and pierces his conscience; brings him easily to humiliation, confession, and reformation.
This site's exposition
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment
on Proverbs 17:10-13
A rebuke cuts deeper into a man of discernment than a hundred lashes into a fool. Meeting "a bear robbed of her cubs" is named safer than meeting a fool in his folly. Whoever returns evil for good is answered in kind, for evil "will never leave his house."
The record, by era
The Nineteenth Century1 voice
A reproof entereth more - Though the rod, judiciously applied, is a great instrument of knowledge, yet it is of no use where incurable dulness or want of intellect, prevails. Besides, there are generous dispositions on which counsel will work more than stripes.
How the passage was read
What the Jewish commentators add
On the verses either side of this one
He who is only rebellious seeks evil One whose every word is rebelliousness and stubbornness constantly seeks evil.
This section is reception history: how the passage was read and kept in the Jewish tradition. Where a reading parts from an essential of the Christian faith, the section says so at that point.
Texts and citation data: Sefaria; each excerpt follows its version’s licence. 3 further sources are cited on this chapter that carry no English text this site may quote or only restate the verse.
The words behind it
6 Hebrew wordsEvery Hebrew word of this verse in the order it stands, with what it means and the door to its own study. The last column counts the times a word stands in the whole Bible: the rarer the word, the more the places it appears belong together.
| Hebrew | Sound | Meaning | Word study | In the Bible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| תֵּ֣חַת | techat | it goes deep | H5181 → | |
| גְּעָרָ֣ה | gearah | a rebuke | H1606 → | 15 times |
| בְמֵבִ֑ין | vemevin | in [one who] understands | H995 → | 170 times |
| מֵהַכּ֖וֹת | mehakot | more than striking | H5221 → | 499 times |
| כְּסִ֣יל | kesil | a fool | H3684 → | 70 times |
| מֵאָֽה׃ | meah | a hundred [times] | H3967 → |
תֵּ֣חַתit goes deep
techatH5181 →
גְּעָרָ֣הa rebuke
gearahH1606 →15 times
בְמֵבִ֑יןin [one who] understands
vemevinH995 →170 times
מֵהַכּ֖וֹתmore than striking
mehakotH5221 →499 times
כְּסִ֣ילa fool
kesilH3684 →70 times
מֵאָֽה׃a hundred [times]
meahH3967 →
A shaded row is a word that stands 400 times or fewer in the Bible.
The walk
8 stopsEach card is a verse this one points to, and under it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it.
Through
Revelation 3:19Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
it leads to
- Proverbs 3:11–12
My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke;
- 1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
- Hebrews 12:5–11
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.
- Job 5:17
Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
- Revelation 2:5
Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from…
- Proverbs 3:11–12
Through
Proverbs 27:22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
it leads to
- Proverbs 23:35
“They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?”
- Proverbs 23:35
Through
Proverbs 15:5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
it leads to
- Proverbs 15:31–32
He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
- Proverbs 15:31–32
Through
Proverbs 19:25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
it leads to
- Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
- Proverbs 21:11
Where this verse is studied
About Proverbs
This page draws on Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; John Gill, Exposition of the Old Testament (1748-1763) and Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible.