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.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
• New Living Translation (NLT)If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

Context of Proverbs 19:25

23The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. 24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach. 27Cease to hear instruction, my son, 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 a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
• Deuteronomy 13:11And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you.
• Deuteronomy 21:21Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
• Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
• Proverbs 15:5A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
• Proverbs 17:10A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
• Revelation 3:19Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

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