Bible Strands
Proverbs 19:29
Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs presents wisdom sayings addressed to a student or youth, contrasting the path of the wise with the inevitable fate of the reckless.
The words — נָכ֣וֹנוּ (na.Kho.nu) = they are prepared and לַ/לֵּצִ֣ים (la./le.Tzim) = for the mockers.
The thread — This pairing of prepared judgment for scoffers and physical discipline for the foolish runs through Proverbs 26:3 and Proverbs 10:13, which explicitly link rods or blows to the backs of those lacking judgment.
Why it lands — The text states that judgments are prepared for mockers and beatings are reserved for the backs of fools, demanding acknowledgment that deliberate contempt for wisdom carries inevitable, tangible consequences.
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
Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
- Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
- Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.
- Acts 13:40 Watch out, then, that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you:
- 2 Peter 3:3 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
- Proverbs 3:34 He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
- Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
- Proverbs 18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
- Isaiah 28:22 So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land.
- Isaiah 29:20 For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—