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

23Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. 24Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser. 26Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace. 27If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on 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 21:11If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.
• Deuteronomy 13:11Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again.
• Deuteronomy 21:21Then all the men of his town must stone him to death. In this way, you will purge this evil from among you, and all Israel will hear about it and be afraid.
• Proverbs 9:9Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
• Proverbs 15:5Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
• Proverbs 17:10A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
• Revelation 3:19I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

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