Proverbs 17:10-12 - Compare All Versions
Proverbs 17:10-12 NIV (New International Version)
A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool. Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them. Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.
Proverbs 17:10-12 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.
Proverbs 17:10-12 NLT (New Living Translation)
A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished. It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.
Proverbs 17:10-12 CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person more than a hundred lashes into a fool. An evil person desires only rebellion; a cruel messenger , will be sent against him. Better for a person to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his foolishness.
Proverbs 17:10-12 KJV (King James Version)
A reproof entereth more into a wise man Than an hundred stripes into a fool. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.
Proverbs 17:10-12 NKJV (New King James Version)
Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool. An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.
Proverbs 17:10-12 MSG (The Message)
A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool. Criminals out looking for nothing but trouble won’t have to wait long—they’ll meet it coming and going! Better to meet a grizzly robbed of her cubs than a fool hellbent on folly.
Proverbs 17:10-12 NASB2020 (New American Standard Bible - NASB)
A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. A rebellious person seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his foolishness.
Proverbs 17:10-12 AMP (Amplified Bible)
A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit Than a hundred lashes into a fool. [Is 32:6] A rebellious man seeks only evil; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly. [Hos 13:8]
Proverbs 17:10-12 NET (New English Translation)
A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool. An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him. It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.