Proverbs 19:25

Proverbs 19:25 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
• New International Version (NIV)Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

Context of Proverbs 19:25

23The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. 24The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish, But will not even bring it to his mouth again. 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. 26He who assaults his father and chases away his mother Is a son who brings shame and disgrace. 27Cease listening, my son, to instruction and discipline And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 word by word

לֵ֣ץ תַּ֭כֶּה וּפֶ֣תִי יַעְרִ֑ם וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ לְ֝נָב֗וֹן יָבִ֥ין דָּֽעַת׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Smiteנָכָהnâkâh · to smiteH5221
• a scornerלִיץlûts · to mockH3887
• and the simpleפֶּ֫תִיpethîy pethîy pethâ'îy · simpleH6612
• will bewareעָרֹם‛âram · be shrewdH6191
• and reproveיָכַחyâkach · to rebukeH3198
• one that hath understandingבִּיןbîyn · to understandH995
• knowledgeדַּ֫עַתda‛ath · knowledgeH1847

Cross-references for Proverbs 19:25

• Proverbs 21:11When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise; But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.
• Deuteronomy 13:11Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you.
• Deuteronomy 21:21Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death; so you shall remove the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear of it and be afraid.
• Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser; Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
• Proverbs 15:5A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instruction and correction, But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.
• Proverbs 17:10A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit Than a hundred lashes into a fool.
• Revelation 3:19Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will].

Commentaries on Proverbs 19:25

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 25Words which embrace nearly the whole theory of punishment. If the man who offends is a “scorner,” hardened beyond all hope of reformation, then punish him by way of retribution and example, and let the penalty be sharp, that even the unwary and careless may beware. If the man be “understanding,” then let the punishment take the form of discipline. Admonish, reprove, educate.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 25Verse 25 A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 25A mocker cannot be helped (see study notes on Proverbs 1:22; 21:11). A leader should still punish him so the simpleminded learn a lesson.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2525. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 19:25

• Punishment
• Reproof

In the dictionaries

• Judgment
• Pity
• Scorner
• Slothfulness
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 19

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings