Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware. — For “scorner” and “simple” see note on Proverbs 1:22. Reproof is of no avail to turn the “scorner” from his evil way (Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:12), punishment will also do him no good; but it may make the “simple,” whose character is not yet formed for good or evil, reflect and amend. So God at first punishes sinners for their good (Amos 4:6, ff.), afterwards, when they are obdurate, as a warning to others (Amos 4:12; Deuteronomy 29:21, ff.)
Related Commentaries of Proverbs 19:25
Proverbs 19:25
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware:e and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.