Proverbs 17:10
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A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Note, 1. A word is enough to the wise. A gentle reproof will enter not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man, so as to have a strong influence upon him; for, if but a hint be given to conscience, let it alone to carry it on and prosecute it. 2. Stripes are not enough for a fool, to make him sensible of his errors, that he may repent of them, and be more cautious for the future. He that is sottish and wilful is very rarely benefited by severity. David is softened with, Thou art the man; but Pharaoh remains hard under all the plagues of Egypt.
Open source ↗17:10 The wise will listen to a mild rebuke and act on good advice. Even harsh correction (a hundred lashes) will not change a fool.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
Let 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.
A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.