Proverbs 19:25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ץ
a scorner
H3887
לֵ֣ץ
a scorner
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
תַּ֭כֶּה
Smite
H5221
תַּ֭כֶּה
Smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 8
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
יַעְרִ֑ם
will beware
H6191
יַעְרִ֑ם
will beware
Strong's:
H6191
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to be (or make) bare; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)
וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ
and reprove
H3198
וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ
and reprove
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
5 of 8
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
יָבִ֥ין
and he will understand
H995
יָבִ֥ין
and he will understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
6 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Proverbs 21:11When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.Proverbs 15:5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.Proverbs 17:10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Historical Context
Public punishment in Israelite society served both justice and education, teaching the community God's standards. The gates where judgment occurred became classrooms in righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- Which category describes your response to correction—understanding, simple, or scorner?
- How can you cultivate greater teachability and responsiveness to wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse prescribes different pedagogical methods for different character types. The 'scorner' (Hebrew 'lets,' one who mocks wisdom) learns only through public consequences; when he is punished, the 'simple' (naive, uncommitted) take warning. The scorner himself rarely learns from correction, but his judgment educates others. In contrast, the 'understanding' person profits from mere reproof without needing punishment—he receives wisdom gladly. This reflects varying degrees of teachability and wisdom. The truly wise learn from words; the simple learn from observation; the scoffer learns only through suffering (if at all). This validates both verbal instruction and discipline in wisdom's pedagogy.