Proverbs 21 · Verse 11

Proverbs 21:11

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
Proverbs 21:11, King James Version

Proverbs 21:11 in other translations

BSBWhen a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
WEBWhen the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
ASVWhen the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
YLTWhen the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise, And in giving understanding to the wise He receiveth knowledge.
DARBYWhen the scorner is punished, the simple becometh wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
BBEWhen the man of pride undergoes punishment, the simple man gets wisdom; and by watching the wise he gets knowledge.
WebsterWhen the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

What does Proverbs 21:11 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. (Compare Pr 19:25). That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 11 When the scorner is punished - When those who mock at religion, blaspheme against its Author, and endeavor 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.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

Proverbs 21:11 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

בַּעְנָשׁ\־ba'.nosh-when punishH6064
לֵ֭ץletza mockerH3887
יֶחְכַּם\־yech.kam-he becomes wiseH2449
פֶּ֑תִיPe.tia naive personH6612
וּבְהַשְׂכִּ֥ילu.ve.has.Kiland when instructH7919
לְ֝חָכָ֗םle.cha.Kham<to> a wise [person]H2450
יִקַּח\־yi.kach-he receivesH3947
דָּֽעַת\׃Da.'atknowledgeH1847

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Proverbs 21:11

  • Proverbs 19:25

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

  • Proverbs 18:15

    The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

  • Proverbs 9:9

    Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

  • Acts 5:5

    And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

  • Proverbs 18:1

    Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

  • Deuteronomy 21:21

    And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

  • Hebrews 2:1-3

    Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

  • Proverbs 1:5

    A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

  • Numbers 16:34

    And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

  • Deuteronomy 13:11

    And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

  • Psalms 64:7-9

    But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:6-11

    Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. …

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
the scorner.
19:25; Nu 16:34; De 13:11; 21:21; Ps 64:7-9; Ac 5:5,11-14
1Co 10:6-11; Heb 2:1-3; 10:28,29; Re 11:13
when the wise.
1:5; 9:9; 15:14; 18:1,15

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Proverbs 21:10

    The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

  • Proverbs 21:11

    When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

  • Proverbs 21:12

    The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Read all of Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:11 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Cuando el escarnecedor es castigado, el simple se hace sabio; y cuando se amonestare al sabio, aprenderá ciencia.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Quand on punit le moqueur, le simple devient sage; et quand on instruit le sage, il reçoit de la connaissance.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Wenn man den Spötter bestraft, so wird der Einfältige weise; und wenn man den Weisen belehrt, so nimmt er Erkenntnis an.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Mulctato pestilente, sapientior erit parvulus, et si sectetur sapientem, sumet scientiam.