Proverbs 21:11
Proverbs 21:11 in Multiple Translations
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
When the man of pride undergoes punishment, the simple man gets wisdom; and by watching the wise he gets knowledge.
When a mocker is punished, an immature person can learn wisdom. When the wise are educated, they gain knowledge.
When the scorner is punished, the foolish is wise: and when one instructeth the wise, he wil receiue knowledge.
When the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.
When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be wiser: and if he follow the wise, he will receive knowledge.
When those who ridicule others are punished, even those who do not have good sense see that, and they become wise, and when those who are wise are taught, they become wiser.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:11
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 21:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/עְנָשׁ
לֵ֭ץ
יֶחְכַּם
פֶּ֑תִי
וּ/בְ/הַשְׂכִּ֥יל
לְ֝/חָכָ֗ם
יִקַּח
דָּֽעַת
בַּ/עְנָשׁ
ʻânash
H6064
to fine
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֵ֭ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
יֶחְכַּם
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פֶּ֑תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-ms
וּ/בְ/הַשְׂכִּ֥יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לְ֝/חָכָ֗ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Prep | Adj
יִקַּח
lâqach
H3947
to take
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 21:11
בַּ/עְנָשׁ
ʻânash
H6064
"to fine"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To fine or punish is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying a penalty. It is used in the Bible to describe punishment or condemnation, as seen in various translations. This word is about inflicting a penalty.
Definition: 1) to fine, amerce, punish, condemn, mulct 1a) (Qal) to fine, punish 1b) (Niphal) to be fined, be punished, be mulcted
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: amerce, condemn, punish, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 21:22; Proverbs 21:11; Proverbs 17:26.
לֵ֭ץ
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.
יֶחְכַּם
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
פֶּ֑תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
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.
וּ/בְ/הַשְׂכִּ֥יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
לְ֝/חָכָ֗ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Prep | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
יִקַּח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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 21:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:11
Context — The King’s Heart
9Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. 13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:25 | Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:15 | The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. |
| 3 | Proverbs 9:9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 4 | Acts 5:5 | On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:1 | He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 10:6–11 | These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and to drink, and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 13:11 | Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you. |
| 8 | Numbers 16:34 | At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Hebrews 2:1–3 | We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, |
Proverbs 21:11 Summary
This verse is saying that when someone who likes to mock or make fun of others gets punished, it can actually help other people learn and become wiser, like it says in Proverbs 19:25. It's also saying that when someone who is already wise is taught something new, they will become even wiser, as seen in Proverbs 9:9. This means that we can learn and grow from the experiences of others, whether it's from their mistakes or from their wisdom, and that being teachable and receptive to guidance is an important part of becoming wise, as emphasized in James 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a mocker to be punished in Proverbs 21:11?
When a mocker is punished, it means they are facing consequences for their sinful behavior, and this can serve as a warning to others, as seen in Proverbs 19:25, where it says that punishing a mocker can bring wisdom to the simple.
Who are the simple mentioned in this verse?
The simple are those who are naive or lacking in wisdom, but are willing to learn, as opposed to the mocker who refuses to listen to wisdom, similar to what is described in Proverbs 1:4, where the simple are exhorted to gain prudence and knowledge.
How does a wise man acquire knowledge according to this verse?
A wise man acquires knowledge when he is instructed, meaning he is teachable and receptive to guidance, as seen in Proverbs 9:9, where it says that instructing a wise man will make him even wiser.
What is the main point of Proverbs 21:11?
The main point of this verse is that wisdom can be gained through different means, whether it's through the punishment of a mocker or the instruction of a wise man, highlighting the importance of being teachable and receptive to wisdom, as emphasized in James 1:5, where it says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God for it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can learn from the punishment of others, and how can I apply that wisdom to my own life?
- In what ways can I be more teachable and receptive to guidance, like the wise man in this verse?
- How can I balance being wise and knowledgeable with being humble and willing to learn, as seen in this verse?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acquire more knowledge and wisdom, and how can I go about doing that?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:11
When the scorner is punished,.... Either by the immediate hand of God, or by the civil magistrate; he who scoffs at Deity, blasphemes the most High, mocks at all religion, despises dominion, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:11
When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
The simple; the honest or plain-hearted man, as , where this whole verse for the substance of it is contained and explained. Instructed; or, prospers, as this word is used, , and elsewhere. So the sense of the verse is, The simple learn wisdom, both from the punishment of wicked men, and from the prosperity of good men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.Ver. 11. When the scorner is punished, &c.] And when the wise is instructed.] Or, When he accurately considers the wise, and observes both their integrity and their prosperity, by God’ s blessing thereupon (for the word imports both), he resolves to play the wise man.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
(11) When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise.—See above on Proverbs 19:25.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
Verse 11. When the scorner is punished] When those who mock at religion, blaspheme against its Author, and endeavour to poison society, and disturb the peace of the community by their false doctrine, meet with that degree of punishment which their crimes, as far as they affect the public peace, deserve; then the simple, who were either led away, or in danger of being led away, by their pernicious doctrines, are made wise. And when those thus made wise are instructed in the important truths which have been decried by those unprincipled men, then they receive knowledge; and one such public example is made a blessing to thousands. But only blasphemy against God and the Bible should be thus punished. Private opinion the state should not meddle with.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:11
11. See Proverbs 19:25, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:11
11. Scorner… punished — A “scorner” — a hopeless offender — is to be punished, etc., solely for the benefit of others; a man of less guilt, and recoverable, in a milder way, as discipline for himself.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |
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Learning From the "Masters" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of learning from literary 'masters' to enhance our speaking and writing skills. He explains that effective communication involves elements like |
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Some New Mystery Bagged by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the tendency of some Christians to seek out new and obscure teachings instead of focusing on the foundational truths of the faith. He warns against the allure |
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Read or Get Out of the Ministry by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning for ministers, drawing on wisdom from figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for reading widely to e |
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Be Widely Read by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being widely read for Christians, particularly ministers, to effectively teach and guide their congregations. He warns against the dangers o |
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On Composing Papers by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the importance of believers actively engaging in the process of composing papers and articles that reflect their understanding of God. He encourages a creative |
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Reading That Incites Thinking by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-education in his sermon 'Reading That Incites Thinking.' He recounts a conversation between Dr. Samuel Johnson an |