Proverbs 17:10 (BSB)

A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

From Proverbs 17. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:10

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 17:10: Note, 1. A word is enough to the wise. A gentle reproof will enter not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man, so as to have a strong influence upon him; for, if but a hint be given to conscience, let it alone to carry it on and prosecute it. 2.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 17:10: A reproof entereth more into a wise man,.... A single verbal reproof, gently, kindly, and prudently given, not only enters the ear, but the heart of a wise and understanding man; it descends into him, as the word (k) signifies; it sinks deep into his mind; it penetrates into his heart, and pierces his conscience; brings him easily to humiliation, confession, and reformation.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 17:10: Reproof more affects the wise than severe scourging, fools.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 17:10: Pro 17:10 10 One reproof maketh more impression on a wise man Than if one reckoned a hundred to the fool One of the few proverbs which begin with a future, vid., Pro 12:26. It expresses what influence there is in one reproof with a wise man (מבין, Pro 8:9); גּערה is the reproof expressed by the post-bibl.