9:12

This verse contains parallel parts that contrast in meaning.

12a
If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage ;

12b but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

This verse concludes the paragraph that contrasts the responses of wise people and mockers to wisdom. However, there is no explicit connection with the preceding verse.

9:12a–b

you are wise to your own advantage…you alone will bear the consequences: In Hebrew, the clause you are wise to your own advantage is literally “you are wise for yourself.” This clause means that the wise person will personally gain the benefit from being wise.

The clause you alone will bear the consequences has a parallel meaning. It means that the mocker alone will bear the responsibility. Here are two examples of other ways to translate this verse:

If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer. (Good News Translation)

9:12b

scoff: See the note on 9:7a–b.

bear the consequences: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bear the consequences is literally “carry.” In this context, it means to bear the responsibility or punishment.

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