Parallel Verses

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.

A Conservative Version

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

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,
But will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd,
But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away
Is a shameful and disgraceful son.

Cross References

Proverbs 21:11

When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

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 shall stone him to death; so you shall remove the evil from your midst, and all Israel will hear of it and fear.

Proverbs 9:8-10

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

Proverbs 15:5

A fool rejects his father’s discipline,
But he who regards reproof is sensible.

Proverbs 17:10

A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
Than a hundred blows into a fool.

Revelation 3:19

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous 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