Proverbs 15:12 (KJV)

Passage

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

Proverbs 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "scorner", "loveth", "reproveth", "neither", and "wise". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "scorner" and "loveth", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "Hell and destruction are before the LORD..." into verse 13's "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance...", so "scorner" and "loveth" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "scorner" and "loveth" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.