What does Proverbs 10:17 mean?

The person who listens to godly advice (Proverbs 9:9) gives themselves a better likelihood of success and longevity than those who ignore wisdom. Those who follow Christ's teachings can enjoy a truly meaningful life now (John 10:10) and eternal life beyond the grave (John 10:28).

The person who refuses to be corrected (Proverbs 9:7–8) and continues the wrong path through life sets a bad example. In many cases, others will be tempted to follow that pattern. For that reason, Scripture warns against becoming close with those who hate God and His truth (Proverbs 13:20). Though the truths contained in God's Word offer forgiveness and life (1 Corinthians 6:9–11), the people defined as "scoffers" (Proverbs 1:22) make a litany of excuses for rejecting that message. This comes in the form of false accusations of contradiction, misleading criticisms, rejection of biblical morality, or claims of irrelevance. Some simply reject the Bible because it exposes their sin and makes them uncomfortable (Ephesians 5:11–13; 2 Peter 1:19; Psalm 119:105).

Unfortunately, many self-labelled "experts" with little legitimate knowledge of the Bible ridicule it and substitute faulty human reasoning in its place. Seemingly educated, or not, such critics of the Bible lead others astray.