«Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you»: «Reprove» translates the same word as used in line 2 of verse 7. «Scoffer» is as in verse 7. «Hate» is as in 1.22, where the fool is a person who hates knowledge.

«Reprove a wise man, and he will love you»: This line is the first of three very similar lines, which contrast with the three previous lines. «Reprove» repeats the word from the previous line. «Wise man» translates a masculine singular noun but is best understood in a general sense and not as referring exclusively to a male adult. New Revised Standard Version says “the wise.” See Good News Translation. Contemporary English Version translates “if you correct someone who has common sense. . ..” «Love you» is the literal rendering of the Hebrew, but this may not be adequate in other languages. Some other renderings are Good News Translation “respect you,” New English Bible/Revised English Bible “will be your friend,” and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “you will win his appreciation.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .