7  ^tWhoever 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;

^ureprove a wise man, and he will love you.

9  Give instruction¹ to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

teach a righteous man, and he will ^vincrease in learning.

10  ^wThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the ^xknowledge of the Holy One is ^yinsight.

11  For by me your days will be ^zmultiplied,

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.