Proverbs 19:25 kjv

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

Proverbs 19:25 nkjv

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

Proverbs 19:25 niv

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

Proverbs 19:25 esv

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

Proverbs 19:25 nlt

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

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 25 Meaning

Proverbs 19:25 reveals distinct methods of discipline appropriate for different individuals, emphasizing that the nature of correction must suit the character of the recipient. For the mocker (a stubborn and contemptuous individual resistant to wisdom and instruction), a severe and often public punishment is needed, not primarily for their reformation, but as a stark warning to the impressionable simple or naive. This demonstrates the serious consequences of folly. Conversely, a discerning person (one who possesses understanding and is open to learning) needs only a verbal rebuke or explanation, as their intelligent nature readily comprehends and applies the instruction, leading to deeper knowledge and prudence.

Proverbs 19 25 Context

Proverbs 19 is a collection of diverse wisdom sayings, common in the book. It addresses themes such as the consequences of righteousness versus wickedness (v. 1-2, 5), the nature of the poor and rich (v. 4, 6-7), the value of discretion and anger management (v. 11), diligence (v. 15), the importance of parental guidance (v. 18), and the counsel of the Lord (v. 21). Verse 25 fits within this broader context of understanding human behavior and the most effective ways to impart wisdom and prevent folly. The surrounding verses often use antithetical parallelism, highlighting contrasts. Historically and culturally, Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition in ancient Israel, where instruction and moral education were paramount, often taught in familial or community settings. The proverbs frequently observe human nature and offer practical guidelines for life, distinguishing between various types of people like the wise, the fool, the simple, and the mocker, prescribing appropriate responses to each.

Proverbs 19 25 Word analysis

• Strike (תַכֶּה, takkeh from נָכָה, nakah):

  • Literally "to smite" or "to beat."
  • Signifies a firm, severe, and often physical disciplinary action, though it can also imply a judicial penalty or public humiliation, not necessarily just physical beating.
  • The intent is to cause sufficient pain or public consequence to make an impression.
  • In the context of the mocker, it indicates that verbal correction is insufficient due to their entrenched resistance.

• a mocker (לֵץ, lēṣ):

  • Denotes someone who scoffs at wisdom, despises instruction, ridicules spiritual and moral truth, and holds authority in contempt.
  • They are characterized by arrogance, cynicism, and an unwillingness to learn or submit.
  • The "mocker" is consistently presented in Proverbs as incorrigible through conventional teaching.

• and the simple (וּפֶתִי, u·phetiy):

  • Refers to the naive, inexperienced, impressionable person, open to influence but lacking discretion.
  • Unlike the "mocker" or "fool" (kesil), the "simple" are not inherently opposed to wisdom; they are merely undeveloped and susceptible.
  • They need object lessons to grasp understanding and make wise choices.

• will learn prudence / will become shrewd (יַעְרִם, ya‘arim from עָרַם, aram):

  • Implies gaining shrewdness, discretion, and practical understanding.
  • This "prudence" is a positive quality here, suggesting that seeing the severe consequences inflicted on a mocker educates the simple, guiding them toward discerning and responsible behavior.

• rebuke (וְהוֹכַח, wəhokhakh from יָכַח, yakhach):

  • Signifies to argue, convict, admonish, reprove, or correct verbally.
  • It's a less severe form of discipline than "strike," relying on reason and verbal persuasion.
  • It indicates respect for the intelligence of the recipient, expecting them to understand and respond to logic.

• a discerning person (נָבוֹן, navon):

  • Describes an individual possessing understanding, insight, and discernment; someone who can distinguish right from wrong, and truth from error.
  • They are teachable, receptive to instruction, and possess the cognitive ability and humility to internalize wise counsel.

• they will gain knowledge / he will understand (יָבִין, yavin from בִּין, bin):

  • Means to understand, perceive, consider, or attain deeper insight and knowledge.
  • For the discerning, mere words of correction lead to increased wisdom, as they can process and apply the instruction effectively.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Strike a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence": This phrase highlights the purpose of stern discipline for the recalcitrant. It acknowledges the almost unchangeable nature of the mocker. Their punishment is less for their personal reformation (which is unlikely) and more as a didactic public example for those who are easily influenced but capable of learning. This approach functions as a deterrent, teaching wisdom through consequence observed from afar.

• "rebuke a discerning person, and they will gain knowledge": This part emphasizes the tailored nature of effective teaching. It demonstrates that not everyone needs harsh methods. For those with a receptive heart and intelligent mind, a simple, logical explanation or correction is sufficient to deepen their understanding. It affirms that humility and teachability are key ingredients for true learning.

Proverbs 19 25 Bonus section

The wisdom contained in this proverb extends beyond mere pedagogy or justice; it reflects a theological truth about God's dealings with humanity. While God is patient and longs for all to come to repentance, He also acts decisively against hardened hearts, allowing consequences to unfold, often as a witness to others (e.g., Pharaoh in Exodus). Simultaneously, He tenderly corrects and instructs those who are His children, recognizing their teachable spirit. This dual approach in discipline underlines the divine principle that the heart's receptivity fundamentally determines the method of correction and its ultimate outcome. The mocker, who stubbornly resists God's truth, incurs severe judgment, which serves as a warning for those who might otherwise be drawn into their path of defiance. The discerning, on the other hand, are shaped by divine word and gentle admonition, growing into greater conformity with God's character.

Proverbs 19 25 Commentary

Proverbs 19:25 provides a shrewd observation on the diverse nature of humanity and the appropriate forms of correction. It underscores the practical wisdom in tailoring one's approach to instruction based on the character of the individual. The proverb contrasts the unyielding obstinacy of the mocker with the receptive intelligence of the discerning.

A mocker, by their very nature, rejects wisdom and scorns instruction. To attempt mere verbal persuasion on such an individual is often futile and may even provoke further derision (Prov 9:7-8). Thus, for the mocker, the "strike" signifies a harsh reality check, often public, intended not for their internal reformation (which the mocker often resists) but as an educational spectacle for onlookers. This severe consequence serves as a vivid object lesson for the "simple," who, lacking firm convictions or experience, are prone to wander. By witnessing the bitter fruit of mocking and disobedience, the simple learn caution and gain a practical, tangible understanding of prudence without having to personally endure the error. This concept echoes the Deuteronomic principle where public punishment deters others (e.g., Deut 13:11, 17:13).

Conversely, the "discerning person" possesses an understanding heart and is receptive to truth. They do not require a physical "strike" or public shaming. A well-placed word of "rebuke"—a reasoned correction or insightful admonition—is all that is needed. Their inherent wisdom and humility allow them to process the input, integrate it with their existing knowledge, and thus grow in understanding. They value correction as a means to further knowledge, demonstrating the stark difference from the mocker who despises it.

This proverb implicitly warns against applying a "one-size-fits-all" approach to discipline and education. Effective guidance requires discerning the character of the recipient. It also speaks to the profound truth that true wisdom involves not just intellectual assent but practical application based on learned experience, whether direct or observed.

Examples:

• For the mocker/simple: A parent allowing a disrespectful child (mocker) to experience the direct negative social consequences of their rudeness (e.g., isolation from peers) might serve as a stern lesson for a younger, impressionable sibling (simple) who observes it.
• For the discerning: A mentor correcting a keen intern's minor oversight in a project; the intern quickly grasps the importance of precision and applies it in all future tasks.