33 This is an understatement, the opposite being intended (a figure called tapeinosis). A scorner rejects any efforts to reform him.
34 The form הוֹכֵחַ (hokheakh) is a Hiphil infinitive absolute. It could function as the object of the verb (cf. , ) or as a finite verb (cf. , , ). The latter has been chosen here because of the prepositional phrase following it, although that is not a conclusive argument.
35 The has אֶל (’el, “to [the wise]”), suggesting seeking the advice of the wise. The , however, has “with the wise,” suggesting אֶת (’et).
36 The contrast in this proverb is between the “joyful heart” (Heb “a heart of joy,” using an attributive genitive) and the “painful heart” (Heb “pain of the heart,” using a genitive of specification).
37 The verb יֵיטִב (yetiv) normally means “to make good,” but here “to make the face good,” that is, there is a healthy, favorable, uplifted expression. The antithesis is the pained heart that crushes the spirit. C. H. Toy observes that a broken spirit is expressed by a sad face, while a cheerful face shows a courageous spirit (Proverbs [], ).
38 The idea expressed in the second colon does not make a strong parallelism with the first with its emphasis on seeking knowledge. Its poetic image of feeding (a hypocatastasis) would signify the acquisition of folly—the fool has an appetite for it. D. W. Thomas suggests the change of one letter, ר (resh) to ד (dalet), to obtain a reading יִדְעֶה (yid’eh); this he then connects to an Arabic root da`a with the meaning “sought, demanded” to form what he thinks is a better parallel (“Textual and Philological Notes on Some Passages in the Book of Proverbs,” 3 [1955]: 285). But even though the parallelism is not as precise as some would prefer, there is insufficient warrant for such a change.
39 The “days” represent what happens on those days (metonymy of subject).
40 The contrast is between the “afflicted” and the “good of heart” (a genitive of specification, “cheerful/healthy heart/spirit/attitude”). The parallelism suggests that the afflicted is one afflicted within his spirit, for the proverb is promoting a healthy frame of mind.
41 Or “evil”; or “catastrophic.”
42 “one with” is supplied.
43 The image of a continual feast signifies the enjoyment of what life offers (cf. “happy people … enjoy life”). The figure is a hypocatastasis; among its several implications are joy, fulfillment, abundance, pleasure.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

A scoffer does not like to be reproved;

he will not go to the wise.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face,

but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,

but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

All the days of the afflicted are evil,

but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Mockers resent correction,

so they avoid the wise.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

but heartache crushes the spirit.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

All the days of the oppressed are wretched,

but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;

he will not consult the wise.

A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,

but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

A discerning mind seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

All the days of the oppressed are miserable,

but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

NLTNew Living Translation

Mockers hate to be corrected,

so they stay away from the wise.

A glad heart makes a happy face;

a broken heart crushes the spirit.

A wise person is hungry for knowledge,

while the fool feeds on trash.

For the despondent, every day brings trouble;

for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

A scoffer does not like his rebuke;

to the wise he will not go.

A heart of gladness will make good countenance,

but in sorrow of heart a spirit is broken.

The heart of him who understands will seek knowledge,

but the faces of fools, they will feed on folly.

All the days of the poor are hard,

but goodness of heart is a continuous feast.

KJV 1900King James Version

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him:

Neither will he go unto the wise.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:

But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge:

But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

All the days of the afflicted are evil:

But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

Public Domain