A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding
than a hundred blows into a fool. ESV
This is a “definitive” proverb. It reveals a criterion for identifying a
man of understanding and a
fool—the former by how well he reacts to a verbal reprimand, and the latter by how unchangeable his behavior is despite corporal punishment. Note that the man of understanding is not always correct in his opinions and actions, but he is able to be instructed, quick to obey, and peaceful when opposed. It is not in genius or excellence that we find whether a person has understanding, but in his response to having his genius or excellence opposed.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you. 9:8
The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined. 10:8
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