Proverbs 19:25

25 Smite a scorner , and the simple will beware : and reprove one that hath understanding , and he will understand knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:25

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware
That is, give reproof to a man that scoffs at religion, and makes a jest of all that is good; for though it may be of no use to him who will despise it, yet it may be observed, and be useful to another that hears it; who, though void of understanding, yet not hardened in impiety as the other, but open to conviction, "will become cunning" ^F24, as it may be rendered; or learns wisdom, and becomes hereby a knowing and understanding man; he hears another reproved, and fears, and becomes a wise man; so that though reproof may be lost on one, it succeeds in another, which is an encouragement to give it; and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand
knowledge;
he will grow wiser and wiser; he will improve in the knowledge of things; see ( Proverbs 9:8 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 (Mrey) "astutus efficetur", Pagninus, Montanus; "astutus fiet", Junius & Tremellius, Cocceius; "astutior fiet", Michaelis; "solertiam parabit", Schultens.

Proverbs 19:25 In-Context

23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again .

25 Smite a scorner , and the simple will beware : and reprove one that hath understanding , and he will understand knowledge.

26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame , and bringeth reproach .

27 Cease , my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Footnotes

• [a] will beware: Heb. will be cunning