A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
Parallel translations
- WEB A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
- KJV A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
- ESV A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
- NKJV Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.
- NASB A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.
- NLT A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A single rebuke teaches a discerning person more than a hundred blows teach a fool. It matters because teachability, not punishment, is what truly produces growth.
Overview
This proverb shows that a person of understanding learns more from one word of correction than a fool does from severe discipline. The difference lies in the heart's willingness to receive reproof. It commends a humble, teachable spirit as essential to wisdom (cf. Proverbs 15:31-32).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Rev 3:19Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Prov 9:8–9Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
- Prov 15:5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
- Prov 13:1A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
- Prov 29:19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
- Prov 19:25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
- Ps 141:5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.
- Prov 27:22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Commentaries & study tools
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Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 17:10 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.