Proverbs 19:25

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove the intelligent, and they will gain 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 ) .

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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 is life indeed; filled with it one rests secure and suffers no harm.

24 The lazy person buries a hand in the dish, and will not even bring it back to the mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.

26 Those who do violence to their father and chase away their mother are children who cause shame and bring reproach.

27 Cease straying, my child, from the words of knowledge, in order that you may hear instruction.