Proverbs 17:10

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 17:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
Proverbs 17:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“A reproof entereth more into a wise man, etc.] A single verbal reproof, gently, kindly, and prudently given, not only enters the ear, but the heart of a wise and understanding man; it descends into him, as the wordf492 signifies; it sinks deep into his mind; it penetrates into his heart, and pierces his conscience; brings him easily to humiliation, confession, and reformation. Or, “reproof is more terror to a wise man”; as Jarchi interprets it, and the Tigurine version; it awes and terrifies him more; a single word has more effect upon him, entering more easily into him, than an hundred stripes into a fool; or, “than smiting a fool a hundred times”f493: a word to a wise man is more than a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Reproof more affects the wise than severe scourging, fools.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:10 The wise will listen to a mild rebuke and act on good advice. Even harsh correction (a hundred lashes) will not change a fool.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“or, A reproof aweth more a wise man, than to strike a fool an hundred times. Pro 9:8, Pro 9:9, Pro 13:1, Pro 15:5, Pro 19:25, Pro 27:22, Pro 29:19; Psa 141:5; Rev 3:19 Proverbs 17:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification