Proverbs 19:25
New International Version
Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

New Living Translation
If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

English Standard Version
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

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

New King James Version
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

New American Standard Bible
Strike a scoffer and the naive may become clever, But rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

NASB 1995
Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

NASB 1977
Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

Legacy Standard Bible
Strike a scoffer and the simple may become prudent, But reprove one who has understanding and he will understand knowledge.

Amplified Bible
Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent; Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight.

Christian Standard Bible
Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson; rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson; rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.

American Standard Version
Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Contemporary English Version
Stupid fools learn good sense by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being corrected.

English Revised Version
smite a scorner, and the simple will learn prudence: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Strike a mocker, and a gullible person may learn a lesson. Warn an understanding person, and he will gain more knowledge.

Good News Translation
Arrogance should be punished, so that people who don't know any better can learn a lesson. If you are wise, you will learn when you are corrected.

International Standard Version
If you scourge a scoffer, the simple person may learn to be discreet; rebuke a discerning man and he will gain understanding.

Majority Standard Bible
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

NET Bible
Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.

New Heart English Bible
Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Webster's Bible Translation
Smite a scorner and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

World English Bible
Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Strike a scorner, and the simple acts prudently, "" And give reproof to the intelligent, "" He understands knowledge.

Young's Literal Translation
A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt strike him mocking, and the simple will be crafty: and reprove to him understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The wicked man being; scourged, the fool shall be wiser: but if thou rebuke a wise man he will understand discipline.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline.

New American Bible
Beat a scoffer and the naive learn a lesson; rebuke the intelligent and they gain knowledge.

New Revised Standard Version
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When an evil man is scourged, a wise man takes heed; and when a wise man is reproved, he will gain understanding.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Whenever a fool is whipped, the wise pays attention, and if you rebuke the wise, he perceives knowledge.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When thou smitest a scorner, the simple will become prudent; And when one that hath understanding is reproved, he will understand knowledge.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Man of Integrity
24The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.…

Cross References
Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

Proverbs 9:7-9
He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. / Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. / Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 15:5
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

Proverbs 22:10
Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.

Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Proverbs 26:3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

Proverbs 29:15
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

Proverbs 29:19
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.

Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Luke 17:3
Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13
What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

1 Corinthians 6:5
I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?


Treasury of Scripture

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

smite

Proverbs 21:11
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

Deuteronomy 13:11
And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

Deuteronomy 21:21
And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

beware

Proverbs 9:9,10
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning…

Proverbs 15:5
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 17:10
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Jump to Previous
Acts Beware Discerning Flog Gain Intelligent Learn Naive Overtake Pride Prudence Prudent Prudently Rebuke Reproof Reprove Reproved Scoffer Scorner Sense Sharp Shrewd Simple Smite Smitest Strike Understand Understandeth Understanding Wise Words
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Acts Beware Discerning Flog Gain Intelligent Learn Naive Overtake Pride Prudence Prudent Prudently Rebuke Reproof Reprove Reproved Scoffer Scorner Sense Sharp Shrewd Simple Smite Smitest Strike Understand Understandeth Understanding Wise Words
Proverbs 19
1. Life and Conduct














Strike a mocker
The term "mocker" in Hebrew is "לֵץ" (lets), which refers to someone who is scornful or derisive, often rejecting wisdom and instruction. In ancient Israelite society, mockers were seen as disruptive to communal harmony and spiritual growth. The act of "striking" here is metaphorical, suggesting a form of discipline or correction. This reflects the biblical principle that sometimes strong measures are necessary to curb destructive behavior. The mocker, by nature, is resistant to gentle correction, and thus, a more forceful approach is warranted to bring about awareness of their folly.

and the simple will beware
The "simple" in Hebrew is "פֶּתִי" (pethi), referring to those who are naive or inexperienced, easily swayed by others. In the context of Proverbs, the simple are not inherently foolish but are at a crossroads, capable of choosing the path of wisdom or folly. Observing the consequences faced by the mocker serves as a cautionary tale, instilling a sense of fear or respect for wisdom and its boundaries. This highlights the communal aspect of wisdom literature, where the actions of one can serve as a lesson for many.

rebuke the discerning man
The "discerning man" is described by the Hebrew word "בִּין" (bin), which implies understanding and insight. Unlike the mocker, the discerning individual is open to correction and values wisdom. Rebuke, in this context, is not punitive but constructive, aimed at refining and enhancing the individual's understanding. This reflects the biblical ideal of humility and teachability, where even the wise recognize the need for continual growth and correction.

and he will gain knowledge
The Hebrew word for "knowledge" is "דַּעַת" (da'at), which encompasses not just factual information but a deep, experiential understanding of truth. For the discerning, rebuke is an opportunity to expand their comprehension and apply wisdom more effectively in their lives. This phrase underscores a key theme in Proverbs: the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey, marked by a willingness to learn from correction and a desire to grow in understanding. The discerning man's response to rebuke exemplifies the transformative power of wisdom, leading to a more profound and enriched life.

(25) Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware.--For "scorner" and "simple" see note on Proverbs 1:22. Reproof is of no avail to turn the "scorner" from his evil way (Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12), punishment will also do him no good; but it may make the "simple," whose character is not yet formed for good or evil, reflect and amend. So God at first punishes sinners for their good (Amos 4:6, ff.), afterwards, when they are obdurate, as a warning to others (Amos 4:12; Deuteronomy 29:21, ff.) . . . Verse 25. - Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; will learn prudence, Revised Verson (comp. Proverbs 21:11; and see note on Proverbs 1:22). The scorner is hardened to all reproof, and is beyond all hope of being reformed by punishment; in his case it is retribution for outraged virtue that is sought in the penalty which he is made to pay. Τιμωρία, not κόλασις - retributive, not corrective punishment. Seeing this, the simple, who is not yet confirmed in evil, and is still open to better influences, may be led to take warning and amend his life. So St. Paul enjoins Timothy, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (1 Timothy 5:20). There is the trite adage -

"Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum."

"Happy they
Who from their neighbours' perils caution learn."
Septuagint, "When a pestilent fellow is chastised, a fool will be cleverer (πανουργότερος) So Vulgate, Pestilente flagellato stultus sapientior erit. Reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand, knowledge. The scorner does not profit by severe punishment, but the intelligent man is improved by censure, and admonition (comp. Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12). Says the adage, "Sapientem nutu, stultum fuste (corripe)," "A nod for the wise, a stick for the fool."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Strike
תַּ֭כֶּה (tak·keh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

a mocker,
לֵ֣ץ (lêṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

and the simple
וּפֶ֣תִי (ū·p̄e·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6612: Simple, perhaps open-minded

will beware;
יַעְרִ֑ם (ya‘·rim)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6191: To be, bare, to be cunning

rebuke
וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ (wə·hō·w·ḵî·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict

the discerning [man],
לְ֝נָב֗וֹן (lə·nā·ḇō·wn)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

and he will gain
יָבִ֥ין (yā·ḇîn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

knowledge.
דָּֽעַת׃ (dā·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scoffer and the simple will (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 19:24
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