Proverbs 19:25 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Smite a scorner An obstinate and impudent transgressor, a derider of religion and virtue, who rejects and scorns all admonition: that is, punish him; and the simple will beware Though the punishment do him no good, yet other inconsiderate persons, who sin, it may be, through ignorance, imprudence, or infirmity, will be awakened by it to a better way of thinking and acting; who, if they saw him pass with impunity, would be apt to follow his example. And reprove one that hath understanding, &c. A verbal reproof will be more effectual for his reformation than the severest punishments will be to that of a scorner.