King James Version

What Does Proverbs 19:25 Mean?

Proverbs 19:25 in the King James Version says “Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. will beware: Heb. will be cunning”

Proverbs 19:25 · KJV

Context

23

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. will beware: Heb. will be cunning

26

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Read Proverbs 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which category describes your response to correction—understanding, simple, or scorner?
  2. How can you cultivate greater teachability and responsiveness to wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֵ֣ץ1 of 8

“a scorner”

H3887

properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede

תַּ֭כֶּה2 of 8

“Smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וּפֶ֣תִי3 of 8

“and the simple”

H6612

silly (i.e., seducible)

יַעְרִ֑ם4 of 8

“will beware”

H6191

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)

וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ5 of 8

“and reprove”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

יָבִ֥ין6 of 8

“and he will understand”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

יָבִ֥ין7 of 8

“and he will understand”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

דָּֽעַת׃8 of 8

“knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 19:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 19:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 21:11Proverbs 17:10Proverbs 15:5Revelation 3:19Proverbs 9:8-10Deuteronomy 21:21

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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