Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware. If you smite and severely chastise a scorner, you will do him no good; but you will produce this good effect-namely, that he simple, who do not err from malice prepense, will be on their guard against a like sin and its consequent punishment. And reprove one that hath understanding, (and) he will understand knowledge. Verbal 'reproof' is sufficient to "one that hath understanding," in order that he may "understand knowledge" - i:e., become wiser and better: the docile need no 'smiting.' The wiser one is, the more readily does he accept correction.