12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
12 Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you. Madame Whore Calls Out, Too
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 9:12
Commentary on Proverbs 9:1-12
(Read Proverbs 9:1-12)
Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of religion, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it. God is not the Author of sin: and Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. Thou shalt bear the loss of that which thou scornest: it will add to thy condemnation.