New King James Version
Proverbs 19:25
25Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
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 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 he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. 24A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. 26He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Read all of Proverbs 19Proverbs 19:25 word by word
לֵ֣ץ תַּ֭כֶּה וּפֶ֣תִי יַעְרִ֑ם וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ לְ֝נָב֗וֹן יָבִ֥ין דָּֽעַת׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 19:25
- Proverbs 21:11When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 13:11So all Israel shall hear and fear, and not again do such wickedness as this among you.
- Deuteronomy 21:21Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear.
- Proverbs 9:9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
- Proverbs 15:5A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.
- Proverbs 17:10Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.
- Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore 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
In the dictionaries
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
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries