Proverbs 19:25
Proverbs 19:25 in Multiple Translations
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
When blows overtake the man of pride, the simple will get sense; say sharp words to the wise, and knowledge will be made clear to him.
If you punish someone who mocks, you may help an immature person to learn. Correct the wise, and they become wiser.
Smite a scorner, and the foolish wil beware: and reproue the prudent, and he wil vnderstand knowledge.
A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.
Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
Smite a scorner and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
The wicked man being; scourged, the fool shall be wiser: but if thou rebuke a wise man he will understand discipline.
If you punish someone who makes fun of those who are wise, those who ◄are naive/need to be instructed► will learn to do what is smart; if you rebuke those who are wise, they will listen to what you say and become wiser.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 19:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ץ
תַּ֭כֶּה
וּ/פֶ֣תִי
יַעְרִ֑ם
וְ/הוֹכִ֥יחַ
לְ֝/נָב֗וֹן
יָבִ֥ין
דָּֽעַת
לֵ֣ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
תַּ֭כֶּה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
וּ/פֶ֣תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
Conj | N-ms
יַעְרִ֑ם
ʻâram
H6191
be shrewd
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הוֹכִ֥יחַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
Conj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ֝/נָב֗וֹן
bîyn
H995
to understand
Prep | V-Niphal
יָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דָּֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:25
לֵ֣ץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Adj
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
תַּ֭כֶּה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וּ/פֶ֣תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
יַעְרִ֑ם
ʻâram
H6191
"be shrewd"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be shrewd or cunning, often with negative connotations, as seen in various Bible stories where characters use their wit for good or bad. It involves being prudent, taking crafty counsel, or being subtle in one's actions.
Definition: 1) to be subtle, be shrewd, be crafty, beware, take crafty counsel, be prudent 1a) (Qal) to be crafty, be subtle 1b) (Hiphil) to be crafty, be or become shrewd
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] very, beware, take crafty (counsel), be prudent, deal subtilly. See also: 1 Samuel 23:22; Proverbs 15:5; Psalms 83:4.
וְ/הוֹכִ֥יחַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
לְ֝/נָב֗וֹן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Prep | V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
יָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
דָּֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:25
Context — The Man of Integrity
23The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.
24The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
26He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. 27If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:11 | When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:10 | A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:5 | A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent. |
| 4 | Proverbs 9:8–10 | Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. |
| 5 | Revelation 3:19 | Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 13:11 | Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 21:21 | Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid. |
Proverbs 19:25 Summary
This verse teaches us that when someone is being mocking or scornful, they need to be firmly corrected so that others won't be influenced by their behavior. On the other hand, when someone is wise and discerning, they can learn and grow from being rebuked or corrected, as seen in Proverbs 9:8-9. This reminds us that correction and guidance are important for our own growth and development, and that we should be open to learning from others, as stated in Proverbs 12:1. By being willing to learn and grow, we can become wiser and more discerning, just like the person described in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'strike a mocker' in Proverbs 19:25?
This phrase is not promoting physical violence, but rather suggests that when someone is mocking or scornful, they should be firmly corrected or rebuked, as seen in Proverbs 24:23-25, to prevent others from being influenced by their behavior.
How can rebuking someone lead to gaining knowledge?
Rebuking a discerning person can help them gain knowledge by correcting their mistakes and guiding them towards wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:8-9, where it is written that rebuke is beneficial for those who are willing to learn.
Is this verse promoting harsh treatment of others?
No, this verse is actually promoting the importance of correction and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 27:5-6, where it is written that open rebuke is better than hidden love, and in Proverbs 12:1, which states that whoever loves discipline loves knowledge.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse reminds us that God also corrects and guides us, as stated in Hebrews 12:5-11, where it is written that the Lord disciplines those He loves, and in Proverbs 3:11-12, which says that the Lord disciplines those He loves, just as a father disciplines his son.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of firm correction to my own life, especially when I see others being influenced by mocking or scornful behavior?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a willingness to learn and gain knowledge from correction, as described in this verse?
- How can I balance the need to correct others with the need to show love and compassion, as seen in other Bible verses such as Matthew 22:37-40?
- What are some ways that I can create an environment where others feel safe to receive correction and guidance, and how can I model this behavior myself?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware,.... That is, give reproof to a man that scoffs at religion, and makes a jest of all that is good; for though it may be of no use to him who will despise
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
Smite a scorner; an obstinate and impudent transgressor, who rejects and scorns all admonitions, and therefore is to be taught with blows. The simple; who sin through ignorance, and imprudence, and infirmity, being possibly drawn to sin by the scorner’ s evil counsel or example. He will understand knowledge; a verbal reproof will be more effectual for his reformation than the severest punishments will be to a scorner.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.Ver. 25. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware.] Alterius perditio, tua fit cautio, saith the wise man. Seest thou another man shipwrecked? look well to thy tackling. Poena ad paucos, &c. Let but a few be punished, and many will be warned and wised; any will, but the scorner himself, who will not be better, though brayed in a mortar. This scorner may very well be the sluggard mentioned in the former verse. Smite him never so much, there is no beating any wit into him. Pharaoh was not a button the better for all that he suffered; but Jethro, taking notice of God’ s heavy hand upon Pharaoh, and likewise upon the Amalekites, was thereby converted, and became a proselyte, as Rabbi Solomon noteth upon this text.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
(25) Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware.—For “scorner” and “simple” see note on Proverbs 1:22. Reproof is of no avail to turn the “scorner” from his evil way (Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12), punishment will also do him no good; but it may make the “simple,” whose character is not yet formed for good or evil, reflect and amend. So God at first punishes sinners for their good (Amos 4:6, ff.), afterwards, when they are obdurate, as a warning to others (Amos 4:12; Deuteronomy 29:21, ff.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:25
25. beware] or, learn prudence, R.V. There is a triple contrast in the proverb, between the persons to be dealt with and between both the manner and the result of dealing with them. The scorner, or hardened scoffer (λοιμός, LXX.; pestilens, Vulg.; Proverbs 1:22; Psalms 1:1, and notes there in this Series), must be smitten, punished with severity (μαστιγουμένου, LXX.; flagellato, Vulg.), but not with any hope of his amendment, but only “that others admonished by his example may be the more afraid to offend.” But if one that hath understanding errs, he only needs to be reproved (ἐὰνδὲἐλέγχῃς, LXX.; si corripueris, Vulg.) to make him know better.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:25
Words 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
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:25
25. A scorner — A scoffer. This usually means the most confirmed and hardened of evil doers; one beyond all hope of reformation. He is punished for the good of others, there being no hope of benefit to him.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so |
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Sowing and Reaping by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is always watching over us. He shares a story of a father and son who plan to cut a log on someone el |
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The Right Reaction to Correction by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger an |
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Teaching by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the importance of training children in the way they should go, highlighting the need to go beyond just telling them what to do. He explains the process of |
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Jesus Teaches About Being Critical of Others Matthew 7:1-6 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on Jesus' teaching about judging others, emphasizing the importance of not being quick to find faults in others without considering all the facts. He highlig |
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Prof. Finney's Letters--No. 32 by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the Church about the critical distinction between censoriousness and Christian faithfulness, emphasizing that reproof is a necessary aspect of spiritual gr |
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Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t |