He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame ... a blot. The "foolish," or, Hebrew, "simple," are in danger of becoming "scorners;" whence the two classes appear together in Proverbs 1:22. Therefore the "simple" must leave the company of simpletons, much more leave the company of the "scorners," in order to "live" by 'going in the way of understanding' (Proverbs 9:6). This verse and Proverbs 9:8 is a hint also to the inviting "maidens" (Proverbs 9:3), i:e., ministers, not to 'cast their pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend' the offerers (Matthew 7:6). "Getteth to himself shame ... a blot" - namely, the blot of abuse and reviling: so far is he from doing the scorner any good, he gives occasion to the scorner only to sin the worse.