15:12

In this verse, 15:12b gives the result of 15:12a.

12a A mocker does not love to be reproved,

12b nor will he consult the wise.

Some ways to translate this relationship are:

• Make it explicit that 15:12b is a result. For example:

12a A mocker resents correction,

12b
⌊so⌋ he will not consult the wise.

• Give the result before the reason. For example:

12b A mocker will not consult the wise,

12a
⌊because⌋ he resents correction.

Use a natural way in your language to express this kind of relationship.

15:12a

A mocker does not love to be reproved: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as does not love is literally “loves not.” The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to be reproved is literally “⌊one⌋ to reprove him.” Some other ways to express the meaning of this line are:

Scoffers do not like to be rebuked (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
A mocker does not appreciate a warning (God’s Word)
-or-
A scoffer does not love one who reproves him (New American Standard Bible)

mocker:

15:12b

nor will he consult the wise: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as consult literally means “walk/go to.” In this context, it indicates that someone who scoffs at others will not go to them for advice. This line may be expressed with or without a negative word such as “not.” For example:

they will not ask the wise for advice (New Century Version)
-or-
so they stay away from the wise (New Living Translation (2004))

Notice that the New Living Translation (2004) uses the word “so” to indicate that 15:12b is a result of 15:12a.

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