Parallel Verses

A Conservative Version

Smite a scoffer, and a simple man will learn prudence. And reprove him who has understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

New American Standard Bible

Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd,
But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

King James Version

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

Holman Bible

Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson;
rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.

International Standard Version

If you scourge a scoffer, the simple person may learn to be discreet; rebuke a discerning man and he will gain understanding.

American Standard Version

Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Amplified


Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent;
Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight.

Bible in Basic English

When blows overtake the man of pride, the simple will get sense; say sharp words to the wise, and knowledge will be made clear to him.

Darby Translation

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove the intelligent, and he will understand knowledge.

Julia Smith Translation

Thou shalt strike him mocking, and the simple will be crafty: and reprove to him understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

King James 2000

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

Lexham Expanded Bible

The scoffer you shall strike, and the simple, may they learn prudence, and reprove the intelligent [and] he will gain knowledge.

Modern King James verseion

Strike a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove one who has understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

If thou smitest a scornful person, the ignorant shall take better heed; and if thou reprovest one that hath understanding, he will be the wiser.

NET Bible

Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.

New Heart English Bible

Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

The Emphasized Bible

The scoffer, thou shalt smite, and, the simple, will beware, but correct a man of intelligence - he will understand teaching.

Webster

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

World English Bible

Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Youngs Literal Translation

A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
נכה 
Nakah 
Usage: 501

and the simple
פּתאי פּתי פּתי 
P@thiy 
Usage: 19

will beware
ערם 
`aram 
Usage: 5

and reprove
יכח 
Yakach 
Usage: 59

and he will understand
בּין 
Biyn 
Usage: 169

Context Readings

A Foolish Son Brings Ruin To Others

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scoffer, and a simple man will learn prudence. And reprove him who has understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge. 26 He who does violence to his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame and brings reproach.

Cross References

Proverbs 21:11

When a scoffer is punished, a simple man is made wise, and when a wise man is instructed, he receives knowledge.

Deuteronomy 13:11

And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall no more do any such wickedness as this is in the midst of thee.

Deuteronomy 21:21

And all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So thou shall put away the evil from the midst of thee, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Proverbs 9:8-10

Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee. Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 15:5

A fool despises his father's correction, but he who regards reproof gets prudence.

Proverbs 17:10

A rebuke enters deeper into him who has understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool.

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain