Definition: If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and slightly challenging verse from Proverbs 9:12. It’s a really profound statement about the importance of wisdom and how it impacts our lives. Here’s a breakdown in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that wisdom is a gift, but if you don't want to receive it, you'll be punished with its negative effects. It’s about the consequences of choosing not to cultivate wisdom. Let’s unpack each part: "If thou be wise..." : This is an invitation to think about your own understanding and judgment. “Thou” refers to you . "...thou shalt be wise for thyself:" This means that if you possess wisdom, it will benefit you directly – it’ll make you better, more capable, and happier. It's a positive outcome of having knowledge and understanding. "But [if] thou scornest..." : This is the crucial part. “Scorn” means to be unkind, disrespectful, or dismissive of something. If you reject wisdom or refuse to learn from it, you’ll suffer the negative consequences that come with it. What are the “negative consequences”? The verse doesn't specify exactly what happens when you scorn wisdom. But it suggests a few possibilities: Misjudgments: You might make bad decisions based on incorrect understanding. Loss of Opportunity: Wisdom can open doors to good things – relationships, success, and happiness. Scorning it can limit your potential. Trouble & Suffering: The verse implies that refusing to learn and grow through wisdom will lead to hardship in some way. In essence, the verse is a warning against self-sabotage. It encourages us to actively seek knowledge and understanding, because those who don’t do so are likely to face challenges as a result of their lack of wisdom. Think of it like this: Wisdom is like a sword – it can protect you and lead you toward good things. But if you refuse to use it, you risk being harmed. --- Do you want me to: Explain the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how wisdom might help us? Explore a related biblical passage?