Proverbs 21:11
New International Version
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.

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

English Standard Version
When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

King James Bible
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

New King James Version
When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

New American Standard Bible
When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

NASB 1995
When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

NASB 1977
When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

Legacy Standard Bible
When the scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; And when one considers wisdom, he receives knowledge.

Amplified Bible
When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise; But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.

Christian Standard Bible
When a mocker is punished, the inexperienced become wiser; when one teaches a wise man, he acquires knowledge.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When a mocker is punished, the inexperienced become wiser; when one teaches a wise man, he acquires knowledge.

American Standard Version
When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

Contemporary English Version
An ignorant fool learns by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being instructed.

English Revised Version
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When a mocker is punished, a gullible person becomes wise, and when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Good News Translation
When someone who is conceited gets his punishment, even an unthinking person learns a lesson. One who is wise will learn from what he is taught.

International Standard Version
When a mocker is punished, the fool gains wisdom; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

Majority Standard Bible
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.

NET Bible
When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

New Heart English Bible
When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

Webster's Bible Translation
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

World English Bible
When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
When the scorner is punished, the simple becomes wise, "" And in giving understanding to the wise He receives knowledge.

Young's Literal Translation
When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.

Smith's Literal Translation
In punishing him mocking, the simple shall become wise: and in instruction to the wise one he will take knowledge.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive knowledge.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When the pestilent is punished, a little one will become wiser. And if he pursues what is wise, he will receive knowledge.

New American Bible
When scoffers are punished the naive become wise; when the wise succeed, they gain knowledge.

New Revised Standard Version
When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser; when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When a wicked man suffers harm, even the simple become wise; but a wise man receives knowledge through his own counsel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
By the injury of the evil the child is made wise, and by his reflection the wise receives knowledge.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When the scorner is punished, the thoughtless is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
When an intemperate man is punished the simple becomes wiser: and a wise man understanding will receive knowledge.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The King's Heart
10The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. 12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.…

Cross References
Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain 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 19:29
Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel

Proverbs 22:3
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.

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 19:20
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

Proverbs 15:31-32
He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

Matthew 11:15
He who has ears, let him hear.

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.


Treasury of Scripture

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

the scorner

Proverbs 19:25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Numbers 16:34
And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

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

when the wise

Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

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

Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Jump to Previous
Gain Gains Gets Instructed Mocker Naive Pride Punished Punishment Receives Receiveth Scoffer Scorner Simple Thoughtless Undergoes Understanding Watching Wisdom Wise
Jump to Next
Gain Gains Gets Instructed Mocker Naive Pride Punished Punishment Receives Receiveth Scoffer Scorner Simple Thoughtless Undergoes Understanding Watching Wisdom Wise
Proverbs 21
1. The king's heart in the hand of the Lord














When a mocker is punished
This phrase highlights the biblical principle of justice and consequences. In ancient Israel, mockers were those who scorned wisdom and instruction, often leading others astray (Proverbs 9:7-8). The punishment of a mocker serves as a public example, reinforcing the community's moral and ethical standards. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God disciplines those who reject His ways (Proverbs 19:25). The punishment acts as a deterrent, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting divine wisdom.

the simple gain wisdom
The "simple" refers to those who are naive or inexperienced in the ways of wisdom. In the cultural context of the Bible, the simple are not inherently foolish but are open to learning and growth. The punishment of the mocker serves as a teaching moment for them, illustrating the consequences of folly and the value of wisdom. This reflects the biblical theme that wisdom is accessible to all who seek it (Proverbs 1:4). The simple learn by observing the outcomes of others' actions, which is a practical method of gaining understanding.

and when a wise man is instructed
A wise man, in biblical terms, is someone who fears the Lord and seeks His guidance (Proverbs 9:10). Instruction for the wise is not about correction but about further growth and refinement. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that wisdom is a lifelong pursuit, and even the wise can increase in understanding. The wise man's openness to instruction reflects humility and a desire to align more closely with God's will.

he acquires knowledge
Knowledge in this context is more than just information; it is understanding that leads to righteous living. The acquisition of knowledge by the wise man is a continuous process, as seen throughout the wisdom literature (Proverbs 18:15). This phrase emphasizes the biblical view that true knowledge is rooted in a relationship with God and is evidenced by a life that reflects His character. The wise man's pursuit of knowledge is a model for believers, illustrating the importance of ongoing spiritual growth and maturity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mocker
In the context of Proverbs, a mocker is someone who ridicules or scorns wisdom and instruction. They are often resistant to correction and are characterized by arrogance and pride.

2. Simple
The simple are those who are naive or inexperienced. They are not necessarily foolish but lack understanding and discernment. They are open to learning and can gain wisdom through observing the consequences of others' actions.

3. Wise Man
A wise man is someone who values and seeks knowledge and understanding. He is open to instruction and correction, which leads to further growth in wisdom.

4. Punishment
This refers to the consequences or discipline that a mocker faces due to their actions. It serves as a lesson not only for the mocker but also for others who observe it.

5. Instruction
The process of teaching or imparting knowledge. For the wise, instruction is a means to acquire deeper understanding and insight.
Teaching Points
The Role of Consequences in Learning
Observing the punishment of a mocker can serve as a powerful lesson for the simple. It underscores the importance of learning from the mistakes of others to avoid similar pitfalls.

Openness to Instruction
A wise person is characterized by their willingness to receive instruction. This openness is crucial for spiritual growth and acquiring deeper knowledge.

The Value of Discipline
Discipline, whether through direct punishment or instruction, is a tool God uses to impart wisdom and knowledge. Embracing discipline can lead to personal and spiritual development.

Influence of Example
Our actions and their consequences can serve as examples to others. Living wisely and accepting correction can positively influence those around us, especially the simple.

Growth Through Correction
Embracing correction is essential for growth. It is important to cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's guidance and the wisdom of others.(11) When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise.--See above on Proverbs 19:25.

Verse 11. - When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise. We had the same thought at Proverbs 19:25 (where see note). The simple (parvulus, Vulgate) profit by the punishment of the incorrigibly evil But the wise need not chastisement for their improvement. When the wise is instructed (Psalm 32:6), he (the wise) receiveth knowledge. The wise man uses every opportunity, takes advantage of every circumstance and event, to increase his knowledge and experience. The Vulgate carries on the subject, "And if he (the simple) follow the wise man, he shall attain knowledge." Septuagint, "When the intemperate man is punished, the simple is made cleverer; and a wise man understanding will receive knowledge." "For it often happens," says St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 18:38). "that the mind of the weak is the more unsteadied from the hearing of the truth, as it sees the despisers of the truth flourishing; but when just vengeance takes away the unjust, it keeps others away from wickedness."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

is punished,
בַּעְנָשׁ־ (ba‘·nāš-)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6064: To urge, to inflict a, penalty, to fine

the simple
פֶּ֑תִי (pe·ṯî)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6612: Simple, perhaps open-minded

gain wisdom;
יֶחְכַּם־ (yeḥ·kam-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2449: To be wise

and when a wise man
לְ֝חָכָ֗ם (lə·ḥā·ḵām)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

is instructed,
וּבְהַשְׂכִּ֥יל (ū·ḇə·haś·kîl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

he acquires
יִקַּח־ (yiq·qaḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

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


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:11 When the mocker is punished the simple (Prov. Pro Pr)
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