Proverbs 9:12
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
If you be wise, you shall be wise for yourself: but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it.
American King James Version (AKJV)
If you be wise, you shall be wise for yourself: but if you scorn, you alone shall bear it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if your heart is full of pride, you only will have the pain of it.
Webster's Revision
If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
World English Bible
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.
English Revised Version (ERV)
If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself: and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Clarke's Proverbs 9:12 Bible Commentary
If thou be wise - It is thy own interest to be religious. Though thy example may be very useful to thy neighbors and friends, yet the chief benefit is to thyself. But if thou scorn - refuse to receive - the doctrines of wisdom, and die in thy sins, thou alone shalt suffer the vengeance of an offended God.
Barnes's Proverbs 9:12 Bible Commentary
The great law of personal retribution (compare Matthew 7:2). The Septuagint makes a curious addition to this verse, "My son, if thou wilt be wise for thyself, thou shalt be wise also for thy neighbors; but if thou turn out evil, thou alone shalt bear evil. He who resteth on lies shall guide the winds, and the same shall hunt after winged birds, for he hath left the ways of his own vineyard, and has gone astray with the wheels of his own husbandry. He goeth through a wilderness without water, and over a land set in thirsty places, and with his hands he gathereth barrenness."
Wesley's Proverbs 9:12 Bible Commentary
9:12 For thyself - Thou dost not profit me but thyself.
