Proverbs 19:25

25 The scoffer you shall strike, and the simple, may they learn prudence, and reprove the intelligent [and] he will gain 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 Fear of Yahweh [leads] to life; he who is filled [with it] will rest--he will not suffer harm.

24 A lazy person buries his hand in the dish, and even to his mouth he will not bring it back.

25 The scoffer you shall strike, and the simple, may they learn prudence, and reprove the intelligent [and] he will gain knowledge.

26 He who does violence to a father, he who chases away a mother, [is] a child who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 Cease to listen to instruction, my child, {and you will stray} from sayings of knowledge.