11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
This we had before (Proverbs 19:25 Proverbs 19:25), and it shows that there are two ways by which the simple may be made wise:-- 1. By the punishments that are inflicted on those that are incorrigibly wicked. Let the law be executed upon a scorner, and even he that is simple will be awakened and alarmed by it, and will discern, more than he did, the evil of sin, and will take warning by it and take heed. 2. By the instructions that are given to those that are wise and willing to be taught: When the wise is instructed by the preaching of the word he (not only the wise himself, but the simple that stands by) receives knowledge. It is no injustice at all to take a good lesson to ourselves which was designed for another.