Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can observing the consequences faced by others help us make wiser decisions in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart that is open to instruction and correction, similar to the wise man in Proverbs 21:11?

3. How does the concept of discipline in Proverbs 21:11 relate to the New Testament teachings on discipline, such as in Hebrews 12:11?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are learning from the examples set by others, both positive and negative?

5. How can we be a positive influence on the "simple" in our lives, helping them gain wisdom through our actions and responses to correction?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 9:7-9
This passage contrasts the responses of a mocker and a wise person to correction, similar to Proverbs 21:11. It highlights the futility of correcting a mocker and the benefit of instructing the wise.

Proverbs 19:25
This verse also discusses the impact of punishment on the simple and the wise, reinforcing the idea that observing consequences can lead to wisdom.

Hebrews 12:11
This New Testament verse speaks to the value of discipline and how it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those trained by it, aligning with the theme of gaining wisdom through correction.
Lessons and Warnings from Life ExperienceE. Johnson Proverbs 21:10-13
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Becomes, Becometh, Gain, Gains, Gets, Giving, Instructed, Mocker, Naive, Pride, Punished, Punishment, Receives, Receiveth, Scoffer, Scorner, Simple, Thoughtless, Undergoes, Understanding, Watching, Wisdom, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 21:11

     8757   folly, effects of
     8782   mockery

Library
Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively,
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Epistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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