Proverbs 19:25 (BSB)

Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

From Proverbs 19. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:25

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 19:25: Note, 1. The punishment of scorners will be a means of good to others. When men are so hardened in wickedness that they will not themselves be wrought upon by the severe methods that are used to reclaim and reform them, yet such methods must be used for the sake of others, that they may hear and fear, Deu 19:20.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments 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 it, yet it may be observed, and be useful to another that hears it; who, though void of understanding, yet not hardened in impiety...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 19:25: Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 19:25: Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge. (i) That is, the simple and ignorant men learn when they see the wicked punished.