Bible Strands
Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The speaker addresses a general audience of learners, positioning this instruction between a warning about laziness and a condemnation of familial dishonor. The moment functions as a practical lesson on how corrective discipline operates in different social and moral contexts.
The words — The Hebrew term לֵץ (letz) denotes a mocker, while תַּכֶּה (takkeh) literally means you will strike. These terms introduce the verse’s opening command to apply sharp correction to provoke a measurable response.
The thread — This disciplinary pattern recurs in Proverbs 21:11, where striking the mocker causes the simple to gain wisdom. The same dynamic appears in Proverbs 17:10 and Proverbs 15:5, which contrast how reproach produces prudence in the discerning but is rejected by the fool.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to apply targeted correction rather than avoid confrontation. It demands that discipline be measured against the recipient’s disposition, trusting that appropriate rebuke yields prudence or understanding.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 21:11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
- Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
- Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Proverbs 9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
- Deuteronomy 13:11 Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you.
- 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.