Proverbs 9:7

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 . 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' (). This verse and is a hint also to the inviting "maidens" (), i:e., ministers, not to 'cast their pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend' the offerers (). "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.