Proverbs 19:25

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
English Standard Version (ESV)
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
New Living Translation (NLT)
25 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
The Message Bible (MSG)
25 Punish the insolent - make an example of them. Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.
American Standard Version (ASV)
25 Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
25 Strike a mocker, and a gullible person may learn a lesson. Warn an understanding person, and he will gain more knowledge.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
25 Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson; rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
25 If you whip a person who makes fun of others, childish people will learn to be wise. If you warn someone who already understands what is right, he will gain even more 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 ) .


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 leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Psalms 141:5
  • 2. S Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 21:11
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.