Definition: Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Proverbs 9:8 – it’s a really important message about how to interact with people. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, this verse is saying: Don’t criticize or punish someone who is being critical of you. Instead, offer them guidance and help them grow. Let's unpack it a little bit: “Reprove not” : This means don’t harshly criticize, rebuke, or correct someone. Don’t be harsh or unpleasant in your words. It’s like gently guiding someone. “…a scorner…” : A “scorringer” is someone who is constantly criticizing and finding fault with others. They're not really trying to help anyone grow. "...lest he hate thee:" This is the key part! If you consistently rebuke someone, and they don’t like it , then they might become angry or even hateful towards you. It suggests that constant criticism can damage relationships. “…rebuke a wise man…” : This is the reward for your action. When you offer helpful advice and guidance to a wise person, they will likely love you back. In short: Proverbs 9:8 encourages us to be kind, supportive, and instructive – to help people grow without being harsh or causing them pain. It’s about fostering healthy relationships through positive encouragement. Think of it like this analogy: Imagine someone who's constantly pointing out flaws in your shoes. You wouldn’t want to do that, would you? Proverbs encourages us to be the kind of person that helps others improve! --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: Why it’s important in the Bible? How it applies to our lives today?