7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Advice only helps if it is received. The scoffer (or one who ridicules others) arrogantly ignores suggestion. Sadly this response is not uncommon. Here (again), God's logic seems backward to us. The righteous man isn't the one who has it all together, it's the one who admits he doesn't. How do we find this strong humility? Understand God's greatness, or as it is put here, fearing God. The humble receive God's gifts, the proud deny their need for it. These words are helpful in our daily interactions with others, but also our daily interactions with God.
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